George Hamashima of Raleigh was born in Brawley, Calif, on March 15, 1926, and died Sunday evening, January 15, 2012 at Mayview Convalescent Center. He was the sixth of seven children born to Tamihei and Matsu Hamashima, who emigrated from Japan to California’s Imperial Valley in 1908. The family developed, owned and operated a ranch until the outbreak of World War II. As family members were placed in internment camps for Japanese-Americans, George and his brother, Tai, enlisted in the Army and George served as a U.S. Army paratrooper in Europe. Upon his return to America, he joined the relocated family in Seabrook, N.J., outside of Philadelphia. There, he met his wife, Shiyo, and they married January 21, 1956.

After becoming a partner in a poultry-related business, George and Shiyo moved to Raleigh in 1960 with their two children, Leslie and Cheryl and their youngest child, Julie, was born as a Tar Heel. After leaving his poultry business, George was an employee at the U.S. Postal Service for almost 20 years where he was recognized for his hard work and dedication. George was exceptionally generous and was devoted to the happiness and well-being of his family.

George’s passing marks the end of this family’s Nisei generation as he was the last of the living Seven Siblings, with three passing in the last year. He is survived by his wife, Shiyo; son, Leslie, and his wife Lori of Cary; daughter, Cheryl, and her husband, Duy, of Raleigh; and daughter, Julie, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and eight grandchildren-Grace Hamashima, Sam Hamashima, Ellie Hamashima, Harrison Do, Grant Do, Pierce Do, Lauren Watters,and Joji Watters.

The family thanks the members and staff at Mayview Convalescent Center, First United Methodist Church of Cary, Hospice of Wake County and Sunrise Assisted Living for their wonderful support and care for our father.

His life will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at First United Methodist Church of Cary, followed by a reception in the Church.

The family requests that donations be offered to Hospice of Wake County or First United Methodist Church of Cary in lieu of flowers.