George Blanton Chapell, 64, has gone home to be with the Lord after a lengthy illness.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 40 years, Liane (Greenlay) Chapell, and their children, son George B. Chapell, Jr. and wife Samantha of Amesbury, Mass., and daughter Brittany Rugel and husband Jerry of Castle Rock, Colo.

He was the best Grampa for his eight grandchildren: Joshua, Noah, Emilia, Lia, George III, Audrey, Edison, and Henry.

George is survived by his mother Helen T. Chapell, sisters Mildred Chapell and Caroline Chapell, brother Richard Chapell and wife Sara, and aunt Millicent Thayer. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

For many years, George ran Haverhill Photo, in Haverhill, Mass., before moving to Florida, where he enjoyed different positions before finding his niche in real estate at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty.

A gentle giant, George was loved by everyone who knew him, and was a loyal friend who was always willing to lift a helping hand.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be sent to Fellowship Church of Englewood, Florida, for the Memorial Garden, at fellowshipenglewood.com .