Obituary of George Lebednikas

George Charles Lebednikas was born on August 25, 1955 in Burlington, NJ. George was raised by John and Ruby Williams, who he adored, and from whom he gained much wisdom and “old school values.” George loved his family greatly and had a special bond with his sister, Hannah (deceased), and brothers Arthur, Raymond and Andrew. As a child George attended Mt. Olive Baptist Church with his parents, under the leadership of the late Pastor Ralph Graves. He accepted Christ as his personal savior and continued his membership with the current Pastor - Reverend Dr. Andre Brown. George was educated in the Berlin Township School System and graduated from Edgewood Regional High School where he played basketball and football and sang in the All South Jersey Chorus. After attending Camden County College, George enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably for four years at Fort Dix. The experiences of his life fueled his love for mentoring and coaching children, and as an extension of his Military Service, George was employed by the City of Camden as a Sergeant for the NJ Youth Challenge Academy where he provided intervention services and mentoring for at-risk youth. George loved to be around young people: driving them to sporting events or class trips through his employment with Academy Bus Tours and Stout’s Tours, teaching Sunday School, or simply sharing his experiences and wisdom. For many years, George was requested to drive the Timber Ridge High School students in Portland, Oregon; from New York to Washington, DC. “G” had an unforgettable greeting of “Yo, yo, yo!” The teachers, parents and students were excited to reunite with “G” in March of 2019. George also drove professional teams and accumulated an assortment of T-shirts, hats, pictures and other signed memorabilia. George loved football and was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. He also coached many generations of football with his beloved Simbas of Camden, NJ. You could always tell when George walked into a room – the atmosphere shifted. George had a profound impact on anyone he met. Interacting with others brought him joy. His dedication to young people was a constant thread throughout the tapestry of his life. Many referred to George as “Pop Pop.” Whatever the event, sport, play, concert, graduation – George would be there! George was a friend to many and his boisterous laugh could be heard from afar. Some of his favorite pastimes were grilling, cooking, gaming and he loved fishing. Up before dawn, George was a master fisherman and could sit at the water’s edge for hours upon end. He shared his love of fishing with many and engaged children in this craft. It was amazing to watch a child catch their first fish because of George’s patient instruction. George will be remembered by all those he touched and inspired. George worked with May Funeral Homes, until his recent illness. He could be counted on to do whatever was required of him. To George, if you were on time, you were late! He enjoyed working and took his position seriously. Precious memories will remain with his wife, Kathy, a childhood friend who he reunited with after 40 years and married in 2018; his only biological daughter, Katrina (his pride and joy); his son-in-law Leon, two grandchildren: Dominic (Jessica) and Zhanaya. Two great-grandchildren: Kairo and Iman. His mother-in-love, Doris E. Fleming; several bonus children: Kathy, Angie, Bobby, Robby, Natalya, Drenon, Warren, Dane, Kellee (Melvin), Krystal (Kevin) and Ken III. Bonus grandchildren including Kushai, Khyla, Kamiyah, Melayna, Mayson, Kendal and Noa Claire; his best man, and longtime friend, Greg (Janelle). George had a host of beloved friends, family, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.