George J. Shatas, 61, of Sunny Hills, FL and formerly of Huntsville, AL, passed away suddenly last Sunday of natural causes.

George is survived by his son, Michael Cairns, of Hull, England, his mother Gertrude M. Shatas, of Sunny Hills, a sister, Angela, of Chapel Hill, NC and three brothers, Remigius, of Huntsville, AL, Steven, of Saratoga, CA, and Thomas, of Sunny Hills, FL. He is also survived by maternal uncles and cousins in Canada, Poland and Australia. His father, Romas A. Shatas, predeceased him.

George was born in Tübingen, Germany and immigrated to the U.S. as an infant. He was a graduate of Huntsville High and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, with a degree in physics. George lived in New Mexico and California for several years before returning to Huntsville, where he worked at NASA and other engineering firms. He was a member of Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church and sang choir with many of his friends.

George moved to Sunny Hills to assist his widowed mother. He attended St. Theresa's Catholic Church, and was an active community member who lent assistance to many people in the area.

Visitation and rosary will be at 10am on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at St. Theresa's in Sunny Hills, followed by a Mass officiated by Rev. Msgr. Francis Szczykutowicz. A luncheon reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Cards may be sent to 3919 Vistula Dr., Sunny Hills. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Theresa's, 2056 Sunny Hills Blvd., Sunny Hills, FL. Brown Funeral Home of Chipley is in charge of the arrangements.