George Washington Jubert aged 77, ascended to his rightful place on Thursday March 3, 2022. His peaceful passing was unexpected when that beautiful giant heart stopped quietly, as if falling into a serene slumber. Born in Macon, GA to Jewel and Ernestine Jubert on March 28, 1944. He was the oldest of two children. Raised in Memphis Tennessee surrounded by a close-knit adoring family.
They affectionally nicknamed him Bob, after the rocking horse he loved to ride as a child. For George was a hard name to pronounce for a toddler. But "Getty up Bob," sang free and true. They never turned back, and to them that would forever be his name.
The oldest of two children, and son of one of the first black police officers in a segregated Memphis Tennessee. He took his responsibilities as big brother, seriously. Lovingly watching over his baby sister Pat, as well as his adoring Memphis cousins for whom he cared so deeply.
He went on to attend Melrose High School where he was a brilliant scholar of Distinction. George exemplified leadership skills and strong moral values, and they would stay with him for the rest of his beautiful and adventure filled life.
He truly was a gift to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. And never met a stranger he couldn't advise, counsel, or encourage. He dedicated his life to service at an early age. Knowing like his father before him, he would put his life on the line to serve his country. And by the time he graduated high school in 1962, he had earned the rank of Captain in his ROTC Program.
After graduation George moved to California with his father, Jewel Jubert and sister Pat. His high school career had been composed of playing football, basketball, ROTC, and excelling in academics, which led him to attending and graduating from USC where he earned a bachelor's degree in Science and Engineering.
But that calling to serve his country beckoned. And he was commissioned as a second lieutenant the United States Army in 1967. Quickly impressing his superior officer's, he was offered an exam that proved his incredible leadership skills and was promptly promoted. He rose through ranks as a Green Beret (Special Forces) and member of the 82nd Airborne Division.
He served Two tours in Vietnam, rising to Captain, in an illustrious military career. It was during this time that he met his beautiful wife, Theata Armstrong. He was her company commander. And after three dates, he offered her a Christmas present she just could not refuse, his name and hand in marriage. They were married on December 27, 1974, and they have remained so, happily; until the day he left this world. For our Captain has always been a man of his word.
During their time in the military, they lived all over the world. Joy and friendship were the cornerstones of their marriage. Two best friends that walked through life together. Proving to the rest of us, that though marriage requires constant work and endless patience; love can and shall prevail. For our father had a motto. "Jubert's don't divorce, we see our commitments through." And he was a man, who no matter what life threw in his direction, would find the joy.
Leaving active duty in 1979, he transitioned into the Reserves as a Major. George and his wife Theata laid down roots to raise a family in Orlando, FL. Remaining faithful Floridians ever since.
Being the extraordinary scholar he was, George decided to go back to school, attending UCF, earning his second bachelor's degree. It was here that he found his second true love, the game of tennis. And as many can attest, like his first, that love never diminished.
Finally moving into the civilian world, he became a Director of Resource Management at Delta Personnel. But decided to step out on faith and start his own company, which he ran successfully for many years. Eventually he decided to return to the private sector, becoming Director of Resource Management at Suntek, and then ABT Solutions, until his retirement.
The tennis court was our Captain's church. And every Sunday morning, right as the sun crested the horizon, we would hear that joyful voice call out, "Going to hit the little round ball." And after more than 35 years of playing and serving the tennis community, 21 of those years as Team Captain at Azalea lanes; George could no longer physically play.
But as normal he would figure out how to turn life's lemons into lemonade. Organizing the tennis league for many of the clubs around town. And fixating on every Grand Slam and US Open that premiered.
His favorite church was Azalea Lanes. Even after stints in the hospital or recoveries from long surgeries, he would make us drive past, so he could gaze longingly at the courts. For part of his soul shall always be at the Winter Park Tennis Club on Azalea Lanes. Just as part will always remain in the hearts of his grieving family and friends.
George was a devoted Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Cousin, Neighbor, and Friend. And we were not ready to say goodbye. For to know him was to love him! He always wore a smile, never complained, and personified a true, selfless, and caring spirit to those near and far.
And in this celebration of his legacy, he leaves behind his devoted wife, Theata Jubert. Two adoring daughters, Tonya Monique Ford and Natasha Dominique Jubert. A son-in-law Dennard Ford I. Two beloved grandchildren, Dennard (DJ) Ford II and Denasia Ford. Two great-grandchildren affectionally known to him, as his Great-Grannies; Dajon and Aniya Ford. Three admiring sisters-in-laws: Finis Troupe, Natalia Armstrong-Cohen, and LuVilla Armstrong. His faithful brother-in-law Steven Cohen, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles; and an endless list of friends.
It is up to us to keep his cherished memories and glorious legacy alive, now. George was preceded in death by his parents, Jewel and Ernestine Jubert, and his loving baby sister Patricia Jubert.
He was a true example of what a good, kind, loving, and honorable man looks like! He was loved by his friends and his family, wholeheartedly! And we know that he is with our ancestors in heaven, telling them right now. "I'm going to hit the little round ball."
Have a great match, Daddy.
Our Captain. Oh, how we will miss you. But we know you will watch over us. And we promise to make you proud. We will be the faithful, kind, and honorable women you raised. And when I see you again, we will go right back to reciting our favorite poetry, and having lively political debates, until I finally forfeit, surrendering to your profound wisdom.
A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 11:30am at Winter Park Tennis Complex, 1075 Azalea Lane, Winter Park, FL 32789
To share your memories of George or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.