George T. Fain
George T. Fain, Jr., 75, died at his home in Simpsonville, South Carolina on June 10, 2023. He is survived by his spouse and beloved best friend, Marty Hendricks. In addition, he had two children, Hyatt Hendricks and Jenna Hendricks McLeod (Tyler) and two beloved grandchildren Henry Hendricks and Noah McLeod. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Anna Fain of Startex and by three sisters: Geraldine Ward, Audrey Waters, and Barbara Fulton.
George graduated from Berea College (Kentucky) and received advanced degrees from Converse College and Eastern Kentucky University. George loved teaching European history at Spartanburg High School and the University of South Carolina Upstate for over forty years. While teaching, George was selected as a Fulbright Scholar and studied at the University of Madras in India where he interviewed Mother Teresa and heard Indira Gandhi speak. George also received a US State Department research grant to study at the University of Amsterdam. Teaching was his life along with his dogs, a slew of Scotties, a dachshund and two golden doodles. George was selected to teach Advanced Placement (AP) European History. Passing the AP exam earned the students college credit while in high school. From 1987 to 2004 (when George retired), every one of his several hundred students got college credit. George was then selected to score the essays for all the AP students nationwide and eventually set standards for answers. He went on to write two AP instruction books.
The family will receive friends at Heritage Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.
A lovely obituary for a very smart man with a fantastic sense of humor. Condolences to Marty and to all of his friends. As one of his Berea classmates, I note that we all feel his loss.
Although George and I were classmates at Berea College we didn’t become friends until we met on Facebook. We had much in common including the love of elephants, our pets, politics, and wicked senses of humor. I treasure our friendship and I hope to see you on the other side.
George was my uncle but we grew up more as brother and sister. He was loved and respected by his Fain family. I will cherish the memories I have of growing up with him and the many holidays we shared at #8 Poplar St in Startex SC.
My sympathy is extended to Marty and George’s family. George was a gentleman and will be missed by all.
With deepest sympathy,
Malcolm “Brooks” Carter
George was an exceptional teacher at SHS. In addition to the AP History education and credits, he shared the flavor or pulse of the cultures studied. History became more than chronological dates and important figures became familiar characters.
Well done Mr. Fain.
We worked for George and Marty’s home for three months and on the first George was telling us stories as well as finding out our stories. He was a gentleman extraordinaire and a lovely person. The world will miss you George!
I am grateful that my children, as students at Spartanburg High School, were taught by George Fain. He challenged them and taught them to think deeply and to express themselves clearly in their writing. Thank you, George, for all you did for my children and for so many others.
Sending deep sympathy to my long-time friend, Marty. on this tragic death. To the family and many friends, cherish the memories and live your best life. ✝️🩷💐
George was my Jr. High teacher at Evans Jr. High School and has been my customer here at Horace Mann for the last 30 years and a good friend. I always enjoyed sitting and talking with George when he would come in the office or call. He will truly be
missed. May His Memory be Eternal…
Marty I just found out about George I am so sorry. I think of you often I MISS YOUR WHIT..
George was my blind date for the moonlight hike at Berea College in 1966. We became fast friends based on many common interests. He had a wicked sense of humor and an intellect that crossed an array of subject matter. Through social media we found each other as seniors, and immediately recognized what brought us together as college freshmen. George will be sorely missed by those whose lives he crossed.