George Lee Cain died June 21, 2015, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
George was the only child of George and Etta Mae Cain of Wilmington, North Carolina. He attended and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Alexander, and they moved to Marietta, Georgia, where he went to work for the Lockheed Corporation in the very new computer center. After a brief time in the Army-long enough for a lifetime of stories-he returned to Lockheed and started graduate school at the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning both a Masters and PhD in mathematics. In 1965, he joined the Georgia Tech faculty as a Professor of Mathematics and was affectionately known to students as "Killer Cain." His textbooks on topology and differential equations are featured in curricula around the world.
George loved knowledge and conversation and seized any opportunity to mix the two. He was a voracious reader and learner, immersing himself in everything from the German language to Civil War history to HTML. He was an avid baseball and basketball fan and enjoyed walking, cruising, and casinos. A lifelong music aficionado, George found joy in music from Stan Getz to Richard Strauss. He even reinvented his music "career" in his retirement, taking clarinet lessons and playing in two bands for seniors.
George is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn; a daughter, Carolyn Naser; and a grandson, Alex Naser.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Lustgarden Foundation for pancreatic cancer research (www.lustgarten.org) or the Georgia Tech Foundation (760 Spring St. NW, Suite 400, Atlanta, Georgia 30308).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 27, 2015
Holli Broadrick
So sorry Mike and I could not make it to the gathering on Saturday.
George was an amazing man of wisdom, intellect and wonderful humor. Our prayer, is for Father God to keep his loving arms around you and your family to help you through the years. Bless you, Mike and Holli Broadrick
June 30, 2015
Pamela Saess
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Saess Family.
June 24, 2015
R. S.
My deepest sympathies for Marilyn and the Cain family. May the God of all comfort continue to be with you during this difficult time. Ps. 102:1
June 24, 2015
David Travitz
My brother Richard called me yesterday to tell me of George's passing. Marilyn, I'm very sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed my visit with George a few years ago and wish I had come over more often.
June 23, 2015
Frank Hadden
Marilyn we are so sorry to learn of Georges' passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during his time. We do remember the fun times we had bowling.
Nancy & Frank Hadden
June 23, 2015
TA
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences.
Psalms 116:15
June 23, 2015
GOC
George circa 1965: I play the piano now. I used to play the violin, but the beer kept falling off. Brilliant, funny man.
June 23, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 23, 2015
Sherann Bush
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Marilyn.
June 23, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
June 23, 2015
K
My condolences go out to the family
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