Edward W. Jorges, 78, of Chattanooga, died Wednesday, May 14, 2003, at his residence.
He was a well-known, well-respected carpet industry executive.
Born in Madison, Wis., he moved to the Chattanooga/North Georgia area as a young boy and lived here as a Christian businessman, called to be a leader and provide jobs to residents of the community.
Mr. Jorges graduated from Central High School in Chattanooga. He volunteered at age 19 and served in World War II in the U.S. Army, where he was awarded an Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with bronze battle stars and several other decorations and citations.
Mr. Jorges was a pioneer in the tufted carpet industry, owned and operated several businesses, including Jorges Carpet Mills, Beautytuft and Apex Finishing Co. with locations throughout the United States.
During the 1970s, Jorges Carpet Mills manufactured and exported more carpet than any other carpet mill in the United States.
Mr. Jorges was a deacon and member of Fort Oglethorpe First Baptist Church, served on the Board of Trustees for Bethel Bible Village from 1966 to 1990 and served as the chairman of the Board from 1988 to 1990.
Mr. Jorges was a member of numerous organizations, including the Carpet and Rug Institute, the Exchange Club, Rotary Club and the Pilot Club. He also served on the board for Hutcheson Medical Center.
Mr. Jorges was an avid horseman who trained and showed horses nationwide.
Survivors are his wife of 57 years, Shirley M. "Peggy" Jorges; son, Stephen Edward Jorges, Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughters, Janet Jorges Shook and Joy Jorges Dobosh, Chattanooga; sisters, Margaret J. Dupree, Loveland, Ohio, and Mayre Lou J. Bowman, St. Simons Island, Ga.; grandchildren, David Edward Parker, Diana S. Johnson, Denise M. Sterchi, Nicholas Edward Dobosh and Andrew Denis Dobosh; and one great-grandson, Parker A. Johnson.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Fort Oglethorpe First Baptist Church with Chaplain Bill Morgan and Rev. John Wyatt officiating.
Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be David Parker, Ricky Johnson, Nick Dobosh, Andrew Dobosh, Tom Daugherty and To m Gardner.
Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Joy Carpets Inc.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Bible Village or Hospice of Chattanooga.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.