Dr. Silas Edwin "Ed" George

Dr. Silas Edwin George died March 25, 2026, in Schertz, Texas, at age 89.

He was born Sept. 22, 1936, in Fort Stockton, TX. He attended Cisco Junior College before earning a B.S.Ed. degree in music (1961) and an M.Ed in school administration (1963) from Abilene Christian University and a doctorate in music education (1983) from the University of North Texas. He wed classmate and fellow ACU band member Kathryn Matthews on Sept. 5, 1960.

Dr. George was a band director in Texas public schools, including DeLeon Texas and Lincoln Junior High School in Abilene, TX for eight years before starting in 1969 a 32-year career on the ACU faculty to teach music history, theory, orchestration and music education. He played multiple instruments and taught full time at Abilene Christian from 1969-2001, serving as professor and chair (1990-96) in the Department of Music and initially, directing the Jazz Ensemble.

For much of the late 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, he directed The Hilltoppers – also known as the Hilltop Singers – a talented group of students who performed pop-rock and contemporary music shows and toured overseas in 1968, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1979 and 1981 for the USO (United Service Organization) and the U.S. Department of Defense, entertaining troops deployed across Europe; the Caribbean, Pacific and Mediterranean islands; and in the Far East.

George conducted the orchestra at ACU Homecoming musicals for more than 25 years and composed music for the 1981 inauguration of the university's ninth president, and for Abilene 1906, ACU’s Centennial musical in 2005.

For nearly five decades, George prepared music for ACU students to perform at Sing Song, especially for several fraternities and sororities and most notably for Sigma Theta Chi, which won the women’s division six straight years and eight of nine years from 2002-10, all with George as their arranger.

He was frequently a guest conductor following retirement in 2001, especially with the Abilene Philharmonic, while also writing music for orchestras in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He was involved from 1971-2021 with the annual West Texas Rehabilitation Center Telethon since its beginning, conducting its orchestra for nearly 20 of those 50 years, and either performing or coordinating music for the telecast.

George’s career included writing arrangements for the San Diego Symphony and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and performing with Bob Hope, Eddy Arnold, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell, among many others.

He and Kathy attended 11th and Willis Church of Christ in Abilene for 55 years (1963-2018) where he served as a Deacon and led worship. Many lifelong friendships were formed during this time.

He was a beloved and admired professor and teacher. He saw potential in all of his students and influenced his students and colleagues alike through his kindness, humor, integrity and knowledge. He will be missed by all, but his legacy continues through so many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olan George Sr. and Lula Florence George; brother, Olan George Jr., sister Dolores Crocker George, son-in-law Ben Hancock; and Kathy, his beloved wife of almost 65 years. Among survivors are children Melinda George Hancock, Glenna George Miranda and her husband Anthony, Gregory George and his wife Mary Beth; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Lee Roy George; and sister Gwen George Wilbanks and numerous other extended family members.