George William “Whip” Tomlinson

Mr. George William “Whip” Tomlinson, Sr., 80, died peacefully Thursday, July 17, 2025, at his home in Oxford, Mississippi. The funeral will be Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with The Rev. Christopher Powell officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. in West Hall of Waller Funeral Home, and again on Tuesday, prior to the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. in the parish hall of the church. Burial will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

George was born on August 1, 1944, to the late Virginia Huggins and Charles M. Tomlinson, Sr. Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, he was a graduate of Pascagoula High School Class of 1962.

George continued his education at The University of Mississippi, graduating with his Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1969. While at Ole Miss, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, where he developed many cherished friendships that he maintained throughout his life. His devotion to his alma mater lasted long after graduation, returning to serve on the Ole Miss Business School Advisory Board and the Ole Miss Quarterback Club. George was naturally a fan of all Ole Miss Rebels Athletic Teams, cheering them on regardless of the season.

Known for long and successful career as a Sales Executive in the Consumer-Packaged Goods industry, George began his career with Xerox Corporation and General Foods in Jackson, Mississippi. After joining Mars, Inc., he progressed through 8 positions before retiring as the Sales Director in 1998. George worked in many divisions and capacities for Mars, Inc. living in Atlanta, GA, Greenville, MS, Los Angeles, CA, Hackettstown, NJ, Dallas, TX, Miami, FL, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. While serving as a consultant after his retirement, George met his future wife, Clara, building a beautiful life together. The two were beloved members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Oxford.

One of George’s greatest joys was his lifelong love of duck hunting. With countless hours devoted to training his dogs, wading through waters, and waiting in blinds, he did it all with passion and vigor. He treasured each of the many loyal hunting dogs he had through the years. His prize yellow lab, Jeb, won a number of national championships and awards. George treasured the many hunts, trials, and competitions they had together.

George is survived by his wife, Dr. Clara Zafra Tomlinson of Oxford, Mississippi; daughter, Stephanie Tomlinson of Madera, California; son, George William Tomlinson, Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, of Maple Grove, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Maisy and Ben; brother, Charles M. Tomlinson, Jr. and his wife, Pollyanne, of Ridgeland, Mississippi; as well as many nieces and nephews to whom he was very close, Ginger Olson (John) of Southlake, Texas, Kathy McFeron (Drew) of Woodstock, Georgia, Chuck Tomlinson of Jackson, Mississippi, Scott Tomlinson (Courtney) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Jeff Tomlinson of Palm City, Florida.

Serving as pallbearers will be Will Tomlinson, Chuck Tomlinson, Scott Tomlinson, Jeff Tomlinson, Don Martin, Mike Zerr, Manuel Zafra, and Jorge Zafra.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Bob Pulaski, Jim Heflin, David Presley, and Terry Crawford; as well as dear friends who preceded George in death, Stewart Ramsey, Gordon Long, Erik Harkey, Steve Bowman, and Billy Roberts.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in George’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter, Post Office Box 456, Ridgeland, Mississippi 38158.