George Phillip Griebel

George Phillip Griebel, 74 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024.

Born on July 24, 1949, in Little River, KS, he was a son of the late Lucille Marion Griebel (Jones) and Phillip Michael Griebel.

George spent his formative years in Kansas, before bouncing around different parts of the east coast in line with father’s time in the Coast Guard. He would later fall in love with Karen and remain in the DC/Northern Virginia area to raise their family.

He grew up playing baseball and hockey, which he carried on into his college years and early adult life.  He became a huge fan of the Washington sports teams, especially the Washington Redskins and Capitals.  He would regularly attend Redskins games at the old RFK stadium but didn’t care much for FedEx.   After 30+ years of Capitals playoff torture, he finally got to witness them breakthrough to win the Stanley Cup in 2018 and attend the championship parade with his son Phillip.  

He developed a passion for fishing and the beaches, and was known to schedule family vacations around it, the Outer Banks holding a special place in his heart.  George and Karen moved to Charleston in 2020 to be able to be closer to their children and grandchildren.  

When the fish weren’t biting, George was known to spend hours listening to music, soaking in the simple, yet profound lyrics told by his favorite story tellers, Bob Dylan and John Prine.  George was an avid reader, exhibiting incredible recall regarding the dates and context of the historical biographies he was known to devour.  A true man of the arts, he had a wonderful eye for photography, paintings, and sculptures.  He introduced his daughter Lorelee to this world, and encouraged her to pursue the arts, holding the throne as her biggest fan.    

George and Karen shared a love for quality craftsmanship.  This bore out in the form of an antique business they operated together for years.  There were a lot of special moments shared between the two while driving through the Northern Virginia countryside in search of that perfect piece to add to the collection.  

George is preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Lucille Griebel, as well as brother Franklin.  He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen Lee Griebel (Mayorchak) in Charleston, SC.  His children also reside in Charleston, Phil Griebel, his wife Sarah Griebel, and their son Julian Griebel (3). As well as his daughter Lorelee Montgomery, her husband Benton Montgomery, and their son Benton “Quinn” Montgomery (9 months).  His surviving siblings are Marcia Griebel of Limerick, Pennsylvania, and Catherine Griebel of Towanda, Pennsylvania.    

A celebration of life is planned for January 27, 2024, at the Spyglass Seaside Apartments Clubhouse on James Island, SC. Please contact Lorelee at lkgriebel@gmail.com for more details. 

In lieu of flowers a charitable donation can be made to Charleston Waterkeeper in George’s name at:  https://charlestonwaterkeeper.org/

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation – James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.