Obituary of George William Firmingham

George William Firmingham, 85, of Saginaw, passed away quietly at home with family on Thursday, April 8th, 2021. George was born April 12, 1935 to Leslie and Ruth (Necker) Firmingham in Romeo, Michigan. George was a Korean War veteran who enlisted in the Army in 1954. After his original discharge from the Army, George went on to serve in the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and the Air Force Reserve. In 1995, at the age of 60, he retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Master Sergeant, and is “officially credited” with 27 years, 6 months, and 7 days. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW. George was a second generation painter, and worked for the City of Saginaw in Maintenance, Parks and Recreation, and Wastewater. In any case, he always ended up with a paintbrush in his hand. He particularly enjoyed the time he spent working at the Audra Francis Senior Center. After his official retirement from the City of Saginaw, he enjoyed working in the “The Yard” at Carter Lumber. When he wasn’t working, George was always on the move. He was a self-determined runner who ran between 12 and 15 miles, daily, well into his 60’s, and walked well into his 70’s. Throughout his life, George was an active member of several gyms across the city of Saginaw, always focused on setting, and exceeding, personal fitness goals with the dedication of a professional athlete. In between workouts, George also enjoyed restoring classic and antique cars—several at a time. Despite his hard-working nature, George managed to find time to enjoy more relaxed moments with family and friends. He was fond of music—singing, dancing, and playing his guitar. George was a social butterfly, quick to start a conversation with anyone who would listen, particularly the cashiers at the Midland Road Speedway, of which he was a regular for many years. He always lit up a room with a joke or a song, leaving his family with many years of happy memories. George leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Rosemary (Andrews) Firmingham of Saginaw; children Bill (Nancy) Firmingham, Norman Firmingham, Cheryl Firmingham, Brett (Renee) Firmingham, Gene (Cynthia) Firmingham; grandchildren Jason, Kari, Crystal, Eugene, Coty, Olivia, Michael, Travis, Brie, Adam, and Amanda; nine great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family; and many cherished family friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Mary Moll, Leslie (Buck) Firmingham, Noreen Doty, and Chris Firmingham; and sons Leslie Firmingham and Scott Firmingham. He is also preceded in death by many extended family members and loved ones. FUNERAL: Services will take place at 1:00 PM Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road in Saginaw. Pastor Rob Richards to officiate the service. Interment will take place at 3:00 PM at Birch Run Township Cemetery at 11535 Dixie Highway in Birch Run. Military honors will conclude the services under the auspices of the United States Air Force and VFW Post 1859. VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to gather Wednesday, April 14, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will take place at 3:00PM at Birch Run Cemetery at 11535 Dixie Highway in Birch Run. In keeping with mandated ordinances and for the safety of the community, face masks are required, social distancing, and gathering guidelines will be observed. MEMORIALS: The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider supporting local music, spending quality time with their family, or performing random acts of kindness in his honor. Please share your thoughts and memories with George’s family at www.DeislerFuneralHome.com