George Cherry

When George retired from the insurance business in 1996, he pursued two life-long dreams:  1. Working in Christian mission, and 2. Sailing the blue water.  For several years he would spend six months at one and six months at another.
            For many years he coordinated Special Projects for Red Bird Mission as a volunteer.  Seven of these years included sailing in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico as well as some trips in the Atlantic.  Home Base was Dinner Key Marina, Miami.
            Gradually, the mission volunteer work took more than six months and evolved into helping develop new donor churches.  Finally, in May 2004, George became a member of the Red Bird Mission staff with the specific goal of finding new donor churches and in February 2005 he became responsible for Mission Advancement as the Director of this department.  (George has temporarily given up sailing in the blue water.)
            George grew up in Staten Island (part of New York City) where after completing his education and military service, he returned to settle down.  Eventually he worked for an insurance company that transferred him to Illinois.  There he became a member of an insurance agency until he retired.
            He has an electrical engineering degree from Duke University and an M.B.A. from New York University.
            George is a widower and has two grown children, both born in New York.  Sean now lives in New York and is an executive in the radio business.  At Christmas 2007, he and Millie Mrvca announced their engagement.  Jerilyn Bass, who stayed in Illinois, is a graphic designer and runs her own business.  George’s granddaughter, Gracie Lyn, age 2, and grandson, Gage Russell, just six months old, live with their mom and dad, Tim, in Peoria.

Red Bird Mission, guided by Jesus Christ, empowers individuals and advocates justice by providing spiritual, educational, health, and community outreach ministries.