GEORGE ROBERT LOCKE

GEORGE ROBERT LOCKE, a resident of Memphis, former resident of Somerville and lifelong musician died at 6 A.M. Friday, September 11, 2009 at the Methodist University Hospital in Memphis where he had been a patient for two weeks. He was 70 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Funeral services for Mr. Locke were conducted at 2 P.M. Sunday, September 13th at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with Leo Powers, of the Somerville Church of Christ, officiating. Interment followed in the Oakland City Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes-West Chapel of Oakland.

Mr. Locke was born August 7, 1939 in the Eads Community the son of Cassie Mae Alexander Locke and the late John R. (Johnnie) Locke.

He was educated in the Fayette County Public School System and graduated from the Fayette County High School in Somerville. He continued his education at Lambuth College in Jackson, Tennessee.

Mr. Locke was of the Christian faith and was a lifelong resident of Shelby and Fayette Counties.

He developed a love for music at an early age and will be remembered as an accomplished organist and pianist, playing for area churches and organizations in the Somerville and Memphis areas.

In later years he served as a private caregiver in Memphis and was formerly employed by WHBQ Radio & Television in Memphis and by Bluff City Distributing Company.

Survivors of Mr. Locke include his mother, Cassie Mae Locke of Oakland; his companion and caregiver, Laura Riley of Memphis and numerous cousins in the Fayette County area.

Those honored to serve as casket bearers were Wayne Thomas, Ricky Jenkins, Walter Jenkins, David DeFoor, Johnny Alexander and John Hickman.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Oakland Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 68, Oakland, TN 38060; Phone: (901) 331-2710 or to the church, charity or organization of the donor's choice.