Dr. George M. Yancey

HOLDEN - George Yancey was called home to be with the Lord after a period of declining health at the age of 83 on October 26, 2025. He was cherished by all who knew him and was known for his kind heart, gentle spirit, wisdom and deep love for his family. He was a pillar of faith and strength for his family and community; always offering a listening ear and helping hand. His love for animals, people and medicine guided him to a life of healing and caring for animals; and also healing and caring for the hearts, minds and spirits of people who needed him. He was a brilliant surgeon, great healer, generous to a fault, and extremely knowledgeable of African American history and culture. He was a fierce advocate of justice and truth.

Born in East Lyme, CT, George was the son of Rev. Dr. George R. and Ethel Yancey. He lived his early years in Greenwich CT and moved to Washington DC when his father was called to be the pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church.

During his youth, his parents sent him to Camp Atwater in North Brookfield, MA for the summers. Camp Atwater is the oldest African American-owned and operated residential youth camp in the United States. He attended first as a camper, counselor and then assistant waterfront director. The friendships he formed during these years did not fade during his lifetime, many grew stronger.

George graduated from Roosevelt High School, attended Howard University and then transferred to Virginia Union University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and played varsity football. He then continued his education at Tuskegee University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. His love for playing football extended well into his adult life. He enjoyed playing in Worcester’s community flag football league for the Brotherhood and City Health Spa.

After graduation, he moved to Massachusetts and worked at the Belmont Animal Clinic for two years. In October 1971, he started his own veterinary practice, the Leicester Animal Clinic in Leicester, MA. His veterinary practice specialized in canine and feline health care and offered a full range of comprehensive diagnostic, medical and surgical services. During this time, he became active in the local community and served on several boards: Leicester Savings Bank, Leicester/Spencer Pop Warner Football, Nazareth Home for Boys, Prospect House, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Worcester Career Beginnings, Worcester, NAACP, and the Worcester Black Jewish Alliance. After 41 years of practicing medicine, he sold the Leicester Animal Clinic, and then for a few years, did relief work at several veterinary hospitals in the Worcester area. He also trained to become a voice over artist. His readings of poems and historical writings by African American authors can be enjoyed on FaceBook.

In 1999, Dr. Yancey was ordained into the ministry. George provided spiritual guidance and comfort to those who wanted God’s blessing over their marriage and lives. George and his wife, Patricia later became Stephen Ministers, trained in providing one on one long-term Christian care for those in crisis.

Dr. Yancey was affiliated with the following professional associations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Massachusetts Veterinary Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Tuskegee Veterinary Medical Association.

George became a part of the WooSox family during their inaugural season as an Usher. His wife Patricia followed in his footsteps the following year. George and Patricia became part of the leadership team of the Journey Community Church and also became Stephen Minister Leaders training those who are called by God to become Stephen Ministers.

George is survived by his wife, Patricia Yancey; children George A. Yancey, Esq. and his wife, Nicole Tadgell, Robin Yancey, John Price and his children Dominic, Jordan and Mila, Brad Cherry, wife Heather Cherry and children Hannah, Dana Price, partner Ron Stovall and children Mason, Darius and K’Nese; sisters Eleanor Binford (predeceased), children Terry Binford, Rose Jones, husband Bill Jones, children, Alan Jones, partner Mia Green and children Asher, Maya and Miles, Dawn Drew, husband Anthony Drew and children Amber; nieces Taylor Cappelleri, husband Dr. David Cappelleri and children Ava and David, Paula Glover, husband Shannon and children Denzel and Alana, Sheree Meadows, Felicia Meadows, Kelsey Meadows, Lynn Booker; nephews Tim Meadows, wife Traci Meadows and children Tim, Reggie, and Kenny, Aaron Meadows; cherished family members kitties Melvin, Louise and granddoggie Skye.

We are eternally grateful for the exceptional care and love George received from Dr. Frederick Baker, Dr. Pang-Yen Fan, Dr. Richard Haas, Dr. Philip Avaysian, Dr. Philip Hewes and the staff at Rose Monahan Hospice.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of this amazing man at the Journey Community Church, 25 Belmont St., Worcester MA. The wake and funeral will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Journey Community Church, the Worcester Animal Rescue League or Rose Monahan Hospice.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his guestbook.