George Conklin

December 13, 2024

Raleigh, North Carolina – George Conklin died on December 13, 2024 in Raleigh, NC, at the age of 83.

George was born prematurely in his maternal grandfather’s clinic, weighing approximately 2 lbs, and was not expected to survive. His survival can be credited to his grandfather who had an incubator built using light bulbs. George grew up in Brooklyn, NY, with his younger brother Tom, riding the subway to school. His family spent summers on their property in Windham, NY, a place that George remembered fondly, leading to his life-long love of the mountains.

George graduated from Brooklyn Friends School, obtained his undergraduate degree at Colgate University, and earned a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. After traveling to India on a Fulbright scholarship, he met his future wife, Verna, a missionary nurse, in Hindi language class. George and Verna moved back to the US, married, and eventually settled in Durham, NC, where they raised three daughters.

George had a long career as professor at the Department of Sociology at North Carolina Central University where he served as Chairman for many years. His professional accomplishments included serving as the editor for the journal Sociation Today, obtaining grants to develop computer-based teaching tools, numerous publications, and presentations at professional meetings. A passionate citizen activist, George served on the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, the Durham County Zoning Board of Adjustments, was Precinct Chair for the NC Democratic Party, and was a member of the Ruritans. In later years, George continued to write and present papers through his involvement in the Torch Club where he held leadership positions. George also served as a deacon in the Presbyterian Church.

George loved collecting Edison phonographs, bluegrass music, trains, spending time in the NC mountains, the color red, and IPA beer. He enjoyed a good joke, a good argument, and fixing things.

George was a devoted husband to Verna for 57 years. After Verna’s death, he moved to the Springmoor Retirement community where he developed a close friendship with neighbor Betty “Joan” Cooper who provided support to George before and during his illness.

George is survived by his three daughters, Heather Conklin, Wendy Conklin, Dawn Conklin; son-in-law, Patrick Russler; a granddaughter, Zoe Russler; and his brother, Tom Conklin.

George chose not to have a funeral service. He will be buried in the family cemetery in Suffolk County, NY.