George Monell Holbrook, Jr.

George Monell Holbrook, Jr., of Spartanburg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, at Palmetto Patriots Home in Gaffney, South Carolina. He was 91 years old.

George was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, to George Monell Holbrook and Marybelle Morgan Holbrook. He graduated from Boyden High School and later earned a business degree from Catawba College.

This mountain of a man married his high school sweetheart, Janice Lee Davis, in 1956. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy, including one year aboard the USS Saratoga. Following his military service, George and Janice made South Carolina their home, where he enjoyed a long and successful career in the textile industry with Milliken, Graf Metallic of America, Gurney Industries, Spinnaker Yarns, and United Embroidery.

Over the years, the Holbrooks made their homes in Gaffney, Union, Gastonia, New Jersey, and eventually settled in Spartanburg, which became their forever home. After retiring from the textile industry, George spent 11 years with Floyd Mortuary—where, as many would agree, he looked great in a suit!

George enjoyed traveling abroad with Janice, family vacations at Edisto Beach, classic cars, and old movies. But his biggest and most beloved hobby was the love of his life for 70 years, Janice.

George, affectionately known as "Opa," is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; his daughter, Andrea (Tom) Colton of Greer; his son, George Monell "Brooks" (Chantal) Holbrook III of Highlands NC; his grandchildren, Chandler (Jonathan) Sozio of Charlotte and Freddie Colton V of Greenville. He has also been blessed with a great-granddaughter, Beckett Grace Sozio.

George is now reunited with his beloved oldest daughter, Heidi Georgette McCormick. She sadly preceded him in death in 2017. He is also survived by his sistas-in-law, Mary Francis Davis (Jerry) Harviel of Salisbury and Betty Davis (Paul) Wood of Raleigh.

Though his family will deeply miss his dry wit, laughter, and remarkable gift for storytelling, they are comforted with his legacy of faith, love and character that he leaves behind. George's life was a testament to the importance of family, forever-friendships, and church. A truly blessed well-faithed life.

A “Celebration of Life” service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg.