George Matthew Israel III

George Matthew Israel III, former mayor of Macon, died Sunday, July 26, 2026. He was 78.

Services will be held Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 4 p.m at Hart’s at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road in Macon. Visitation is Saturday, August 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cupola.

Israel served as mayor of Macon from 1979-1987. He was a Macon city councilman from 1975-79. He also served as chairman and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Georgia Trend Magazine named him “Georgian of the Year” in 2006.

Israel was born in Macon on February 10, 1948. He was the son of the late George Matthew Israel Jr. and Margaret Hutchins Israel. He attended T.D. Tinsley and Rosa Taylor Elementary schools. He graduated from Lanier High School for Boys in 1966.

He sold cookware to put himself through college at Middle Georgia College in Cochran and the University of Georgia. He had a long career with Mass Mutual Insurance.

He served as president and CEO of the Potomac Corporation, CEO of Fickling and Walker and CEO of Secure Health Plans of Georgia. He was a member of the board of directors for YKK. He was appointed President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in 2002.

He also served as chair of the Macon Chamber of Commerce and the Macon Economic Development Commission. He cut the ribbon for the inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon in 1983. He was appointed and served on several state advisory boards including State of Georgia Commission on Privatization, the Georgia Military Affairs Committee and the Southern Growth Policies Board.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pam Witherington Israel, daughter, Katie Beth Israel, son George Matthew Israel IV, four granddaughters, Greta O’Hara (Brandon), Kiya Israel, Matilda "Tille” Israel, Eleanor Israel, one grandson, George Matthew “Quinn” Israel V, great granddaughter, Charlotte O’Hara, brothers David Israel (Juliet) and Walter Israel and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Israel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Camellia Society, 100 Massee Lane Road, Fort Valley, Georgia 31030 or to the church or charity of their choice.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences.

Hart’s Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, has charge of the arrangements.