George Lee Tompkins, 72, of Morristown, passed away November 24, 2021 following a three-year battle with cancer.  George was the youngest of three sons born to his late parents, G. D. and Dora Vinyard Tompkins.  After attending Witt Elementary School and Morristown High School, George enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served with distinction in Vietnam.  He was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal with the Combat V for valor in battle.  After separating from the Marine Corps, George began a 45-plus year career in construction and remodeling, usually working alongside his brother Steve.

In addition to his parents, G.D. and Dora Tompkins, George was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen (Steve) Allen Tompkins, and Steve’s older son, Allen Tompkins. 

George is survived by daughter Amy Saylor and her husband Darrell (usually called “Turtle”); son Talyion Tompkins; grandchildren Corbin Saylor, Ceagan Saylor, Coleman Tompkins, Conner Tompkins, Austin Tompkins, Sydney Tompkins; great grandson, Beckham Fanney; honorary grandchildren, Olivia, Kenley, and Zane Hatcher; brother Fred Tompkins; nieces Victoria Tompkins Whited, Jodi Tompkins Thompson, and Caroline Tompkins Miller, and nephew Erik Tompkins.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Mountain Home VA Healthcare System in Johnson City and the various VA-affiliated contractors for providing excellent medical and comfort care for George.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project at, support.woundedwarriorproject.org

The family will receive friends from 4PM until 6PM on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Mayes Mortuary, 444 W. Main Street, Morristown. A funeral service will immediately follow with Rev. Scott Green officiating.

The family will meet at Hamblen Memory Gardens (5421 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy, Morristown) at 2PM on Monday, November 29, 2021 for a graveside service with military honors.