George Downing Justice, Jr.

George Downing Justice, Jr. of Charleston, Edisto and Goose Creek, entered into eternal rest Thursday, May 19, 2022, surrounded by his children and loved ones, including his best friend Ray Goff. His service will be held 5:00 PM Sunday, May 22, 2022 at James A. McAlister Funeral Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. We ask that any baseball fans feel free to wear your favorite baseball shirt. The family will receive friends immediately after, followed with a reception at Bessinger's BBQ (aka Piggy Park Restaurant, which was a hang out during his teens).

George was born June 21, 1954 in Waycross, Georgia, a son of George and Evelyn Justice. They moved to Charleston when he was a young boy. George attended St. Andrews High and worked in sales for many years. Most recently George found a passion for driving people with Lyft. He loved to drive and meeting new people, which made this the perfect retirement job as he could talk to anyone.

George loved sports and the great outdoors. He played softball and bowled around West Ashley for many years. He loved fishing, boating, camping, coaching softball and bowling. He made many wonderful memories living in other states but his most favorite adventure was London, Ontario, Canada, where he enjoyed ice fishing, camping, bowling and plowing snow. He loved baseball and loved watching his grandson and teammates play. George was known as “Papa G” within the St. A Storm, Charleston Braves and West Ashley High School Baseball organizations. He would tell everyone he had his four grandchildren but dozens of grandsons. He adored his grandchildren and always talked about them with a twinkle in his eyes. His granddaughters called him Poppie and they had his heart. He enjoyed sitting with his daughter at The Citadel watching his grandson and rarely missed a game. He spent many wonderful fishing and camping adventures with his son. He bragged on his beautiful daughter-in-law and son-in-law all the time and made sure all knew how proud he was of them. He loved Edisto Beach and claimed the unofficial title of mayor of whatever street he happened to be on until the family decided to make Club Cottage his permanent office.

He was known as George D to his parents and siblings and Big George to friends. He and his best buddies enjoyed shaking West Ashley up in their younger days. His first job was at Barrineau’s Piggly Wiggly on Hwy. 17 and he worked there with his best friends. They loved racing cars, playing ball, playing cards, shooting pool and cutting up. He and his brother would be found hitting the movie theatre in Avondale for the double feature and would jump on the train to get back home. They also enjoyed playing pranks on their baby sister but also protected her.

George is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Justice Osteen and her husband Bob; his son George D. Justice III and his wife Angelina; their mother Pamela Justice; grandson Chace Cooper; granddaughters Arabella, Gianna and Mia Justice; his extended family Diane Anglin and her daughters Jordan and Miranda (Matt) and grandson Lucas that called him their hero; niece Crystal Justice-Infinger and husband Corey; niece Emalie Anne Stone; Aunts Betty Seignious & Sharon Booth; Sister Carla Cook and her husband Mike; sister-in-law Gay Justice; many wonderful cousins, friends, and he was loved by all hairdressers and clients at Bold Creations Salon in Mt. Pleasant, where he loved to go and get attention. Also his fur grands Tuny, Charlie Brown, Buster Brown, Nova and Captain.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his infant son Steven Wesley Justice; sister Ruby Jane Justice; brother William “Buddy” Justice; nephews Kenneth “Kenny” Owens, Jeffrey Justice and Joel Alan Stone.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to The Citadel Diamond Dogs Baseball Club or West Ashley High Wildcat Baseball program. Donations can be mailed to the attention of Jennifer Osteen at 41 Lampton Road Charleston, SC 29407.

We would like to thank St. Francis 3rd floor nurses and doctors, the ICU at St. Francis and RN Shay, Chaplin Margaret and Jimmy McAlister as well as Pastor Joey Svendsen.