George Lewis Chambers started and ended his life with the love of his life at his side. He and Bonnie Randis were born on the same day in the same Los Angeles, California hospital in 1956. George was the grandson of the late Charles "Charlie" Bell Chambers of McLain, Texas and the son of the late Laura Elizabeth (DeArmond) Chambers. As a young child, George was not only loved by his mother and his beloved maternal grandmother, also named Laura Elizabeth DeArmond, but was treated as a son by Walt Baker, the programming executive at KHJ-TV in Hollywood, and his wife, Sally Baker, who was legendary for her portrayal of Hobo Kelly, the live-action children's show. It was under their loving mentorship that the young George Chambers spent his childhood and youth hanging out in the television and radio studios, finding not only a fatherly influence in his life, but discovering his aptitude and passion for radio engineering. George first caught the attention of the FCC when he began broadcasting from his garage as a 12-year-old. Lacking the necessary permits, the FCC triangulated his signal and showed up to mete out fines and penalties, but upon realizing it was a child that was broadcasting, let him off with a warning, shaking their heads in disbelief. Thus began the career in radio broadcasting that would see George erect numerous radio transmission towers and build and operate radio stations around the country, including KTPI in Tehachapi, CA, Lone Star 98 in Abilene, TX, KXIT in Dalhart, TX, among others. George also engineered and patented an electronic device. Entirely self-taught and lacking a formal degree, George was recognized as one of the leading experts in the industry, and often consulted as an engineer, troubleshooting radio broadcasting problems around the world. It was once said that George could build radio station out of a plate of spaghetti! In addition to finding his vocational fervor early in life, in his youth he also found the other two passions that defined his life. It was during their participation in a United Methodist Youth Group in Hollywood that George reconnected with the same Bonnie Randis with whom he had shared his maternity ward 15 years prior. George had found his lifetime soulmate, best friend, and future wife. George also realized his passion for the Lord and ministry. George and Bonnie married in Sep 1977 and together raised two lovely daughters, Kellie Lorraine and Alison Bridget.
In addition to working, owning, and operating radio stations throughout his life, George also followed his calling to ministry, serving as a United Methodist Church pastor for 32 years. He did not like pageantry and formality of institutionalized religion, but preferred a "down home" informal style, devoid of legalism, titles, and robes. He cherished the people that he pastored and delighted in walking with them and loving them through each of their life's journeys. George pastored the Alamo United Methodist Church in San Antonio, TX for the last 10 years of his life.
George was predeceased by his mother, Laura Elizabeth (DeArmond) Chambers who died in 2006, and his half-sister, Debra Jo (Chambers) Elrod, who died in 2016. George is survived by his wife of 44 years, Bonnie (Randis) Chambers, two daughters: Alison Bridget Chambers, who is an actress and law student at Washburn University Law School in Kansas, and Kellie Lorraine (Chambers) Borcik of New, Braunfels TX. Kellie is married to Jeff Borcik and they are owners of the Cibolo Creek Physical Therapy. Together, they have 4 children including Alexa, Rylie, Caroline, and Grant, who is named after George. George is also survived by his half-sister, Georgia (Chambers) Riddle of Bloomingdale NJ, niece, Jennifer (Whiteside) Gandy of Bentonville, AR, and nephew, Robert Whiteside of Austin, TX, and 4 great nieces and nephews. George loved and delighted in his family, spending many happy hours playing with his grandchildren, who adored him. George was greatly loved and will be terribly missed by his friends, church, and family.
George Lewis Chambers peacefully left this earth on Feb 6, 2002, surrounded by his family. Services will be held at the Alamo United Methodist Church, 4071 N Foster Road in San Antonio, at 6 PM on February 10th, 2022. Please comply with the family's desire to wear masks.