George Shoichi Supple, 66, of Raleigh, died on Tuesday, July 7, following complications after an aneurysm.

He was born June 20, 1960 in Okinawa and moved to the United States at age four with his parents, Frank and Toshiko Supple. They landed in California and drove straight to Florida without stopping in any states where their interracial marriage was still illegal. Later relocating to North Carolina, George graduated from Cary High School, studied chemical engineering at NC State University, and began a career in restaurant management. He married Joanne Powell and raised four children who grew up hanging out in restaurants with him, learning their love of fine food and being a good human from him. Along the way at every step, he made close friends who remained in his life to the very end.

He did everything with care and passion, and often could be found doing the things he loved most: watching football and hockey, dancing, playing pool, enjoying live music, tailgating with lifelong friends. He was passionate about cooking good food, and making food for his people was synonymous with love. He was exceptionally handy, the first person any of his kids would call for help. He turned these skills into a successful general contractor business and still made time for being with those he loved most. Perhaps most of all, anyone who spoke with him was bound to hear how much love and pride he had for his children.

George was known by many beloved friends, family, and community members as a warm, fun-loving, reliable, hilarious, and caring person. He showed in both words and action his immense generosity, compassion, ingenuity, and thoughtfulness. He loved well and was well-loved. George was a great man in countless ways, and his absence is felt by many.

He was predeceased by his biological father and his brothers Michael and Frankie Supple. He is survived by his parents and his four children Matthew, Taira, Donna and Em.

There will be a memorial service at Abbey Road Grill & Tavern in Cary, where he was a regular, on Saturday, August 8, from 11am to 2pm. Friends are welcome to stop by, but be warned ‒ he was so well-loved, it might be a standing-room-only event.