Funeral services are slated for tomorrow for businessman Edward W. “Eddie” George who died earlier this week. George was 78.

He was the owner of George Electric as well as a real estate developer whose accomplishments include the construction of the strip mall along U.S. 52 off Marion Pike in Coal Grove that is home to Wendy’s restaurant and several other businesses and the strip mall in Ironton alongside the Center Street fountain.

George began his business career in Ironton in 1962.

Duke Sheridan, whose family was friends with the George family for many years recalled the store was truly a family-operated business.

“They all worked there and even the girls knew more about electric than I ever dreamed of,” Sheridan said.

Contractor and businessman Ron Brammer was also friends with the George family for many years.

“Eddie was a very aggressive man and a hard worker,” Brammer said. “The whole family is. He was a marvelous man and really got out and hustled his whole life. He always got wonderful support from his wife, Peg, and his kids. She (Mrs. George) is a wonderful lady.”

George Electric was later moved to Coal Grove after the completion of the mall.

“Eddie was really instrumental in making the Coal Grove interchange what it is today,” Sheridan said.

George Electric was closed in 2003 when Eddie George’s health began to decline, family members said.

One of George’s endeavors had a tinge of celebrity: he once owned The Brass Lantern on South Third Street, one of the Tri-state establishments where country crooner Billy Ray Cyrus got his start in music.

George is survived by Peggy, his wife of 56 years, four children, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church.