GEORGE AVERY ALCORN
1932-2017
George Avery Alcorn, 85, died Tuesday, the 10th of October 2017, surrounded by his loving family. George will be remembered always for his generous spirit, kind nature, and enduring optimism. His easy smile and thoughtful conversation made all who crossed his path feel special; he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.
George was born the 6th of September 1932, in Dallas, TX, the son of Lexey Cragin Alcorn and Charles William Alcorn. He grew up in Houston, the youngest of three brothers, and attended River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Middle School, and Lamar High School. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin, home to his beloved Texas Longhorn football team. In 1960, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Houston. George served in the U.S. Army from 19551957 at Fort MacArthur in California and participated in the installation of the guided missile defense system. He also proudly managed his base’s championship volleyball team.
George married Elizabeth “Libby” Dady Alcorn in 1982. For 35 years, his love for Libby knew no bounds; he cherished and adored her, and together they set a beautiful example of a marriage deeply rooted in respect and faith. George gave his unconditional love, wisdom, and support to their five children and eleven grandchildren. His family was his greatest source of pride.
A third generation Texas oil man, George spent more than 60 years working in and advocating for independents in the oil and gas industry. He was president of Alcorn Exploration Company and served for many years as an independent director for EOG Resources, Linn Energy, Hart Publications, and Eagle Publishing. An independent oil and gas businessman his entire career, he was awarded his industry’s highest honor, the Chief Roughneck Award in 1997. George was a proud member of the All-American Wildcatters Association. He was chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, president of the Houston Petroleum Club, co-founder and chairman of the Natural Gas Council, founding leader in the formation of NAPE, and board member of the National Petroleum Council. In 1997 George co-created the Wildcatter’s Ball, the primary funding event for the IPAA Education Foundation. He was also an active member of TIPRO, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the American Petroleum Institute, the Gas Technology Institute, the American Association of Professional Landmen, and the Texas Alliance who presented him with the Senator Tom Haywood Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. He represented the Independent Petroleum Association of America as a member of the North American Free Trade Task Force with the George H.W. Bush Administration, the Department of Commerce, and Congress.
George was a loyal member of the University of Texas Kappa Sigma Tau Chapter and received the “Tau Man of the Year” award in 2009. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Houston and was a member of Houston Country Club. Nicknamed “One Iron,” George’s passion for golf lasted his entire life. As an avid sports enthusiast, he loved bird hunting, fly fishing, and served as president of Post Oak Little League. George supported many nonprofits and was a board member for the Open Door Mission, Oilmen’s Fund supporting the Prostate Cancer Research Program at MD Anderson, Saint Agnes School, and The Fay School. For his many accomplishments, Mayor Parker honored George as a true Houston legend and proclaimed it “George Alcorn Day” in Houston, TX on the 6th of September 2014.
George leaves behind a legion of friends and devoted family. He was predeceased by his parents Lexey Cragin Alcorn and Charles William Alcorn, and brothers Charles “Chuck” Alcorn Jr. and Fred Alcorn. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Dady Alcorn, son George Alcorn Jr. and wife Sallie, son Wright Alcorn and wife Amy, daughter Ellen Alcorn Breedlove and husband Mike, son Ryan Alcorn, son Avery Alcorn and wife Kadriye, and grandchildren Lexey Breedlove Chapin and husband Michael, George Alcorn III, Shelby Breedlove, Maria Alcorn, Janie Alcorn, Emily Alcorn, Susie Alcorn, Graham Alcorn, Luke Alcorn, Adeline Alcorn, and Caroline Alcorn. He is also survived by sister-in-law Mrs. Fred (Sally) Alcorn, brother-in-law Ralph Dady, and dear family friend Mariana Marquez.
The family invites all who loved George to toast the greatest toastmaster from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Sunday, the 15th of October, at the Houston Country Club, 1 Potomac Drive.
A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 16th of October, at First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street in Houston, where Executive Pastor Andrew Stepp is to officiate.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are George “Mac” Thompson, George Yates, Bruce Barron, M.D., Charles Boyd, Joe Russo, Reverend Laurence Connelly, Richard Beard, Mark Papa, John Ford, Ralph Dady, Charles Davis, Grant Johnson, and John Trimble.
At a later date, the family will gather for a private service at the Gloster Trinity Episcopal Cemetery near Shreveport, LA.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Open Door Mission, P.O. Box 9356, Houston, TX 77261-9356.
Please view Mr. Alcorn’s online memorial tribute at www.geohlewis.com under the obituaries section.