George Priester, 57, Atlanta, died February 1, 2013. Born in LaGrange, GA, George was the younger son of Amos Ulmer Priester Jr. and Rebekah Herring Priester, both of LaGrange, GA.

George founded his business, Priester Associates, 30 years ago as a multi-line representative for the travel industry in the Southeast. He always wanted to work in the travel industry, and enjoyed everything related to travel, particularly visiting locations all over the world with Europe being one of his favorite destinations.

George was very active in the travel industry community. He was a member of the Travel Industry Association of Georgia, as well as the SKAL Club of Atlanta (since 1987). SKAL is the professional organization of tourism leaders around the world that promotes global tourism and friendship. George was a Life Member of the Travel Institute, and was awarded the organization Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) professional designation.

George received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and his MBA from the University of Georgia. He was a lifelong student, and enjoyed studying other cultures and peoples. George spoke several languages, including French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

He is survived by his life partner of 29 years, Rick Alexander of Atlanta; his sister in-law Peggy Cofield Priester of Raleigh NC; nephew Amos “Buck” Priester IV, his wife Lisa and their children Lindsay and Nicholas; nephew Pete Priester, his wife Jill and their children Tom and Becky, all of Raleigh NC; niece Jodi Carroll of Greensboro, NC, her daughter and son-in-law Nikki and Alex Chapman of Charlotte, NC, as well as several cousins. George’s parents, his brother Amos Ulmer “Buck” Priester III and his nephew Willis Parker Priester of Raleigh predeceased him.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Piedmont Hospital for their excellent care of George in his final days.

George was a long-time, active member of Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta. A memorial service will be held at the church on Saturday, February 23rd at 2 PM. St. Bartholomew’s is located at 1790 LaVista Rd NE, Atlanta 30329.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brandon Hall School (brandonhall.org), St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church Endowment or any charity of your choice.