George Richard Maki was born on May 29, 1940, in Newberry, Michigan. After briefly living in Detroit, he moved with his family to Lansing, Michigan, where he lived and built a life grounded in faith, kindness, and devotion to family.

George spent his career at Oldsmobile and General Motors, retiring in 1996. A lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church, George faithfully served as a Deacon, Trustee, and in numerous other roles. His faith in God was unwavering and evident in his daily walk. He lived by example, always willing to lend a helping hand, encourage others, and serve with humility and love.

George had a joyful spirit and loved to golf, laugh, and enjoy life. He volunteered as a basketball coach at the Boys & Girls Club and was actively involved in his community and church. Above all, he was deeply committed to his family, whom he loved immeasurably.

George was a family man whose greatest joy was the love he shared with his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His home in Lansing was a place of gathering and celebration for many years, filled with laughter, fellowship, and memories that will be cherished forever. Holidays, milestones, and everyday moments were made special simply because they were shared together under his roof.

He lived out his love not only in words, but in action. George lovingly cared for his mother and stepfather in the final years of their lives, honoring them with compassion, patience, and dignity. His sense of responsibility, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to family were evident to all who knew him. He led by quiet example, teaching those around him the importance of love, faith, and showing up for one another.

George shared a profound and enduring love with his wife, Malekka Francine Maki. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, commitment, and love, sharing more than 40 years of marriage and raising three children side by side. They were truly life partners in every sense of the word.

Their love was most evident through their unwavering care for one another. George faithfully served as Malekka's caregiver during her courageous battle with cancer, and in later years, Malekka lovingly cared for George through his battle with dementia. Their marriage stood as a powerful testament to sacrificial love, loyalty, and the covenant they shared as a reflection of God's grace lived out daily.

On December 20, 2025, George peacefully transitioned at home in Southfield, surrounded by family. His wife Malekka, daughter-in-love Lexie and son Samuel cared for him daily while living in Southfield.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 41 years, Malekka Francine Maki; his children, Ganielle Ranee Maki (Tony), George Richard Maki Jr., Kimberly Susan Maki, Courtney Maki Larvadain (Russell II), Isaiah Drake Maki (Dr. Robyn Jordan), Samuel Blake Maki (Lexie Huss); and his grandchildren, Richard Armando Benitez, India Marie Fernandez, Joseph Richard Maki, Deontray Dupree Maki, Trayvon Dupree Maki, Russell "Trip" Larvadain III, Harper Green Larvadain, and Blair Maki Larvadain; his great-grandchildren, Jayden Lamar Colenburg, Naveah Lynn Colenburg, Lola Maki, and Alexander Maki; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, George Emil Maki and Geraldine Cross; his stepfather, Stanley Cross; daughter, Tracy Lynn Maki; grandchildren, Sondra Maria Elace La Salle and Marquis Lamar Colenburg; and siblings, Patricia Maki, Joyce Merchant (Thomas), and Raymond Maki (Edna).

Arrangements for Mr. Maki are as follows: