George T. Chamberlain was born December 18, 1919 in Tiptonville, TN. His parents were George W. and Lydia Bell Merriweather Chamberlain.
He was one of seven children.
Mr. George attended school in Tiptonville and later joined the military. On September 14th 1942 he was inducted into the United States Army in Tullahoma TN. He served his country until he received his honorable discharge on October 18 1945 at camp Atterbury, Indiana.
While in the army he served under General George Patton’s third army. He was stationed in England. He fought in France, Belguim, and Czechoslovakia.
Among his citations and awards can be found three bronze stars.
Upon returning to Tiptonville after his service in World War II, Mr. George married Hazel Young. Mr. George and Mrs. Hazel have five daughters, Blois Nole, Barbara Dokes, Regina Elam, Debra Adams, and Karen Chamberlain. Nine grandchildren and ten greatgrand children. Mr. George was a busy man committed to God, his family, his church, friends, anyone he could help. He was a member of St. John #2 Missionary Church in Tiptonville. All of his life, where he served as Sunday School Teacher, the ushers board as a president, and chairman of the Deacons Board.
He also helped establish the Lake County Usher’s Union consisting of churches in the county. Mr. George was a member of MT Tabor Lodge no. 55 F.A.M. where he served as most worshipful master and a member of Balboa Lodge no 205 F.A.M where he served as Past Master. He was the first African American Alderman for the City of Tiptonville for many years. Mr. George was proud to serve the City of Tiptonville as an Alderman. He appreciated the confidence the people had for him and support each time until he retired. He always ran unopposed and served with dignity and a purpose to help the City of Tiptonville, its employees, and citizens to the best of his ability. Mr. George worked for a time at the Alfalfa Mill and the Compress. He worked for Vaughn’s Lumber Co. and as a bus driver for the Lake County School System.
For many years Mr. George was an avid gardener and excelled at cooking, especially for his grandchildren. When possible he wanted all of them to visit at the same time. When he cooked Black History: George T. Chamberland breakfast for them, he was a short order cook. Cooking whatever they wanted several meats, eggs, toast, biscuits, fruit, cereal, and a pancake eating contest. He made the best pancakes! This gave him great joy. Mr. George was a great family man, leader, and an honorable man. He cared not only for his children, but loved and encouraged and was proud of his nieces and nephews and extended family. He was loved by all. He was a man of strength and integrity and a friend and support to many in Lake County.
