Catawba Indian Assistant Chief Wayne George dies

Wayne George, assistant chief for the Catawba Indian Nation, has died.

George, 67, was assistant chief since 2011. He was re-elected in 2015 and served with other American Indian organizations.

George also worked among tribal leaders in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Catawba Indians are the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina. George spent much of his adult life working on programs to enrich the lives of the Catawba people, including being part of the historic 1990s settlement of land claims with the federal and South Carolina governments.

George was a veteran of the Marine Corps who served in combat the Vietnam War and survived some of the bloodiest fighting of the era. He volunteered for Vietnam rather than accept a deployment to the Mediterranean.

He was a lifelong advocate for the Catawba people. Known for his trademark braided hair and quiet demeanor, George was a tribal leader for decades.

The tribe’s chief, Bill Harris, said Friday in a statement: “The Catawba Nation has suffered a tremendous loss at the sudden passing of Assistant Chief Wayne George. He provided many years of dedicated service to the Nation and truly exemplified the word leadership. He was a friend and confidant and will be missed immensely.”

The tribe also released a statement Friday concerning George's death:

“Words cannot adequately express the deep feelings of loss the Catawba Nation is experiencing due to the unexpected passing of Assistant Chief Wayne George last night. Wayne chose to serve the Tribe because of his love and pride for the Nation.

“He was a man of many good qualities, one of those was his willingness to help others and provide guidance. As was his nature, Wayne assisted behind the scenes because he helped not to seek praise but to provide relief for those in need.

“For all who knew him, they know that he loved to joke and tease those he cared for and there are many.

“Wayne served his country proudly as a Marine in the Vietnam War. He loved his family and was dedicated to his wife, Cindy.

“To say he will be missed tremendously is truly an understatement. The world needs to know that a great tribal leader, Assistant Chief Wayne George, has passed and our Nation mourns the loss.”

Funeral arrangements are pending. No timetable has been set for filling the office left with George’s death.

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 4:49 PM with the headline "Catawba Indian Assistant Chief Wayne George dies."