George Elias Habeeb Sr., age 86, died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at River Region Medical Center.

Born and raised in Vicksburg, George Habeeb was a Christian, a devoted husband and father of four sons and two grandchildren. He was a postman, a proud American and a Purple Heart veteran of the U.S. Army.

He is survived by numerous family and friends; his loving wife of 47 years, Maha Darzi Habeeb; and his four sons and two daughters-in-law: Dr. George Ellis Habeeb Jr.; Albert Michael Habeeb; Samuel David Habeeb and his wife, Anne Minor Habeeb; and Dr. Daniel Mark Habeeb and his wife, Dr. Amanda Daho Habeeb. He also is survived by two grandchildren, Luke and Katherine Habeeb.

George Habeeb was never ashamed of talking about the Lord Jesus; he taught Sunday School and served as a chanter and choir member at St. George for decades. He often reminded us to keep looking up to God in good times and bad times alike and not to wait until tragedy to believe. He read the Scriptures to his four sons at an early age, including the often-read, 91st Psalm. 

Officially a member of the Carr Central High School class of 1944, George Habeeb would receive his high school diploma two years later, due to the war.

In 1943 he became a loyal member of the U.S. Army, Seventh Infantry “Hourglass” Division. He served active duty in many sites in the Pacific including the liberation of the Philippine Islands and the invasion of Okinawa. George Habeeb was wounded on April 21, 1944, on Skyline Ridge on the island of Okinawa by shrapnel from a shell that killed nearby soldiers. He was transported to Guam and recovered. Throughout his life, George Habeeb would often recall the special care and treatment he received in the hands of the American Red Cross during this time. He returned to duty on Okinawa as a staff sergeant where he assisted in keeping the island secure. His unit was planning to participate in an assault on the main train station in Tokyo, a certainly dangerous and deadly endeavor; however, he was spared this action by the ending of the war. He was transferred to the 38th Parallel in Korea, after which he returned home, kissing the ground of his homeland when he first arrived back in the U.S. in Seattle, Wash., and praising God for his country and for sparing his life. Among other commendations, he received two Battle Stars and the Purple Heart. 

The Lord spared his life in the war and several subsequent years and allowed him to touch the lives of numerous people of Vicksburg, his church and his family. He worked for a number of years with his mother and father at the family business, Habeeb’s Grocery, until he joined the post office. He served as a dedicated mailman for about 40 years. He worked to support his family and ultimately put his sons through college and graduate school, law school and medical school.

There are not enough words to describe his various talents, which included being an accomplished bowler and tennis player, singing and making people laugh. Most of all, he brought joy to everyone he met, having “never met a stranger.” Jesus said to his followers and believers: “You are the light of the world; let your light shine before men, that they may see the good that you do and give glory to God.” He lived a simple, holy life, a life which reflected the beauty of Christ. He showed mercy and compassion to everyone around him. His life reminded us that it is truly the simple things in life that are the most meaningful and enjoyable. May George Habeeb be remembered as having given glory to God.

Memorials may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, the Mississippi Kidney Foundation or the American Red Cross.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, with the Very Rev. Father John Morris officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 tonight at Riles Funeral Home with Trisagion Prayers at 7.

Pallbearers will be Gregory Thomas, Richard Thomas, Wayne Thornton, Bob Saway, Albert Nosser, Robert Hardy, Robert Abraham and Mickey Fedell.

Honorary pallbearers will be George Nasif, George Daho, Sam Dabit, Elias Rantisi, George Tzotzolas, Streety Minor, Freddy Abraham, Mike Baroudy, Edgar Brasfield, Robbie Robertson, Dr. Thomas Sligh, Dr. Murray Whitaker and Ellis Farris.