George D. Votaw passed away peacefully on Aug. 11, 2025, with his family at his side. He was the son of Mary Jean and George Votaw. He was born April 4, 1958, in Portland, Oregon.
He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Teresa Votaw; his son, Ryan Votaw; and his daughter, Brianna Votaw. He is also survived by a brother, Tim Votaw; three sisters, Hilary Votaw-Burkhart, Natalie Harley, and Stephanie Votaw; along with many other family members and dear friends.
George was a successful man in many aspects of life. Aside from being a devoted husband and father, he was passionately dedicated to cars, cows, cornhole, his beloved English bulldog, Bogie, and to being an outstanding member of his community. He was a successful businessman and a true “car guy.” He was especially proud of his family-owned and operated car dealership, Community First Auto Centers, which he opened in 2012.
George also had a deep-rooted passion for Jersey cows, which he showed from a young age all across the country. That love never faded. Cars and cows took him many places, but so did cornhole. With his best buddy Bogie at his side, George traveled and competed in tournaments throughout the western United States, making many friends everywhere he went.
He truly enjoyed being a friend. He was known as someone you could count on to be there for people in any way he could. George genuinely loved helping others. He was an undeniable example of what it means to give to others and expect nothing in return.
One of his favorite things to do was support 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors at junior livestock auctions. This passion began in the early 1980s when George was in his 20s. Since then, he generously helped thousands of 4-H and FFA kids throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be mailed to the SWWF Jr. Livestock Sale with “Votaw Scholarship” in the remarks, to allow his family to carry his legacy forward in supporting the youth of the community.
George will be dearly missed by so many.
Funeral Service
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 28 at Toledo First Baptist Church in Toledo, Washington.
Memorial Donations
SWWF Jr. Livestock Sale Committee
P.O. Box 1635
Chehalis, WA 98532
