George William Kane

George William Kane was born to Bonnie Lee Tharrington and Henry Joseph Kane and his big brother, Harry, on June 1, 1971, at Womack Army Hospital at Fort Bragg. But Rocky Mount was his home, and it is where he forged his lifelong friendships. He graduated from “Senior High” and then UNC Chapel Hill 1993, and he remained a lifelong Tar Heel fan. (Though the Dallas Cowboys later took that spot as his favorite team.) George was active in raising awareness of the dangers of supporting Duke and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Eventually, George moved to California, and in his early career he rose through the management ranks at several companies where he experienced increased responsibilities. Later, he moved to Santa Cruz where he became involved in real estate. Living in California also suited George’s interest in cinema. Following his completion of a degree in film and television, George became an encyclopedia of movie knowledge, often writing and discussing his own scripts. He admired Martin Scorsese, but his favorite genre was always comedy, especially the works of the Marx Brothers and Woody Allen. He loved to make people laugh. During his years on the west coast, George put his wit on display by establishing himself as a regular performer in the stand-up comedy scene. He went on to host and produce high-profile comedy shows that included many of his comedic heroes. He was also an avid reader, never far from the Charles Bukowski books he loved. George was always ready for an adventure, and he had a special fondness for initiating low-impact outdoor games such as bocce, croquet, miniature golf, giant bocce, giant croquet, and regular- sized golf. While in California, George met the love of his life, Leah Ann Gay, and following a two-year courtship, they were married in 2008 at the Healdsburg Vineyards in California. They lived happily in Santa Cruz until Leah’s untimely death due to illness in 2011. Following her death, he began spending more time with his father and stepmother Joy in Santa Rosa. As his father’s health declined, he assisted in his care and grew close to his stepmother’s family, the Traboulsis, who also lived in Santa Rosa. Like his mother, George missed his North Carolina roots, so he returned home to Rocky Mount to reconnect with family and friends. He worked in real estate for a while, commuting to Raleigh, but then Covid hit, and like so many, it was hard on George. Two years after his move to North Carolina, he suffered a brief illness, but his lifelong friends, Will McDonald (Taragh) and Jon Cooper (Lesleigh), stepped in and were devoted to him and his care. On the 28th of January, he surrendered to his illness and left behind many broken hearts. His family would like to thank his dear friends and extended family who cared for him and visited him during his illness. George was predeceased by his wife, Leah Gay Kane, his father, Henry Joseph Kane, and his stepmother, Joy Traboulsi Kane. He was survived by his mother Bonnie Tharrington Kane, his only brother Harry Joseph Kane IV and wife, Alaina, and his beloved orange cat, Romo. Anyone wishing to make a memorial gift is encouraged to consider the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Pet Finder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603. The internment of George’s remains will be celebrated on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Rocky Mount Memorial Park following a mass for his mother Bonnie Tharrington Kane at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 11:30 PM. A gathering of friends and family will be held at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home at 3:00 PM that day. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.