George Foster, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Jackson following a long illness. A beloved fixture in the Lexington and Henderson County community, George will be remembered for his generous heart, his love of people, and the fifty years he devoted to owning and operating Green Thumb Nursery.
Through Green Thumb Nursery, George shared his extensive knowledge of plants and gardening with generations of customers. He partnered with 4-H and the UT Extension Service to give children hands-on opportunities to learn how to grow plants, shrubs, and trees. Whether he was helping a young person discover the joy of gardening or advising a customer on what would thrive in the Southern climate, George gave freely of his time and knowledge.
Born on August 20, 1947, to the late Henry and Berna Pratt Foster, George was the oldest of seven children. After losing his father when he was just ten years old, George took on a significant role in helping his family, working the soil and planting flowers and vegetables. Those early experiences helped shape the hard-working, resourceful man he would become.
George’s commitment to his community extended well beyond the nursery. He served on the City Planning Board for thirty-eight years and on the Henderson County School Board for ten years. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, always willing to lend a hand wherever he could make a difference.
Known for his loving and giving nature, George found special joy in doing good deeds for others, particularly the elderly and children. He enjoyed the outdoors and playing guitar. His musical talent came in handy when he portrayed Merle Haggard in many of the Great Pretenders shows that were popular during the 1980s. George loved visiting with people, and his flower deliveries often gave him another chance to share a conversation and brighten someone’s day.
George rarely traveled alone. His adopted stray dogs, Nandina and Scruffy, rode along with him wherever he went. They became familiar friends to many of his customers, most of whom knew the dogs by name. Together, they were part of the special charm that made George and Green Thumb Nursery so memorable to the community.
George is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Katie White Foster; two daughters, Melissa Warren (James) and Melonie Hennessy; four grandchildren, known affectionately as Paw Paw’s grandchildren: Jessilyn (partner Hayden), Shelby Warren, and Dorian and Savannah Hennessy. He also leaves a great-grandson, Lucian Gregory; a sister, Nancy Shannon (Danny); and three brothers, Charles Foster (Doris), Cliff Foster (Debra), and Terry Foster (Wilma). In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by two brothers, David Foster and Phillip Foster.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Lexington Cemetery.
