He was a loving grandfather to Grace Marie Quillo and Jasmine Ayana Eck, and a cherished friend to Penny Land, serving as an inspiration to Alena and Adam Land. He is survived by his sister, JoAnn Adams, and niece, Meredith Adams Scheafer and nephew Patrick Adams. George was preceded in death by his daughter, Debbie Renee Quillo, and his mother, Laverne Celest Arft.
George, affectionately known as “Lyl George,” was born September 13, 1939 in Ballwin, Missouri.
George's legacy in Ballwin began in his youth when he and his father, George August, built the Ballwin Ballpark. This landmark continues to be a place where decades of kids gather to play sports, build confidence, and create lifelong memories.
A natural entrepreneur, George started his first business by organizing neighborhood kids to cut grass. He was the first in his family to attend and graduate college with a degree in business. His career included teaching History and coaching basketball at Maplewood High School, but he made his significant mark in the sporting goods industry. As a traveling salesman before the internet era, George’s Sports Agency managed a team of four salesmen across five states, promoting a unique selection of innovative sports and outdoor lifestyle brands.
Known to many as "Soc Man," George was celebrated for introducing innovative sports gear from professional to youth levels. His memory is fondly remembered through his association with wigwam socks for over 50 years. You were one of the lucky ones if you got wigwam socks for Christmas year after year.
George's commitment to community service was profound, particularly through his annual golf event at Whitmoor Country Club, which has been renamed the George Arft Memorial Golf Classic. This event now benefits Folds of Honor - Missouri, reflecting his dedication to supporting families of fallen soldiers.
The funeral services will be held at Salem Methodist Church of Ballwin Saturday, January 4th at 1pm. A gathering and ceremony to honor his legacy will be held on Saturday at 3:33pm at the Ballwin Ballpark. Condolences can be shared via the Neptune Society of St. Louis at https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/creve-coeur-mo/george-arft-12137349.
George Robert Arft will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him for his entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to youth sports, and his generous philanthropy. His legacy will continue to inspire and impact the community for generations to come.
Dear Friends of George Arft,
You are cordially invited to George's Celebration of Life Memorial Service.
Details:
• Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025
• Location: United Methodist Salem Church, 14825 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011
• Dress Code: Formal church attire with tennis shoes for the ballpark event. Dress warm.
Schedule:
• 12:00 PM: Church doors open for guests
• 1:00 PM: Church service begins
• 1:45 PM: Luncheon by Collier’s Catering
• 2:30 PM: Cemetery Ceremony
• 3:00 PM: Caravan to Ballwin Ballpark, 1 Ballpark Drive, Ballwin, MO 63021
• 3:15 PM: Dusting ceremony
• 3:33 PM: Closing
Additional Information:
• Flowers: Order from www.wfk.com or call (314) 352-7575 (zip 63011)
• Sympathy: Visit Sympathy Flowers
• Share Memories: George R. Arft Memorial
• Folds of Honor Donations: https://stlouis.foldsofhonor.org
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