George Andrew Critz, 82, of Columbia, KY passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Tri-Star Centennial Hospital, with his children at his side. He was born on November 13, 1942 in Wadsworth, OH, to the late John Paul and Velma Ruth Andrews Critz.
In 1952, his family moved to Bellbrook, OH where he attended Bellbrook Sugarcreek Schools. On his first day of school there, he was introduced by the teacher to his new school class, of which his future wife was a member. He and Doris’ family lived about a quarter mile apart on Ferry Road, and during the summer, they, their siblings, cousins, and neighbors would play neighborhood baseball games.
He loved all sports but especially loved basketball. In 1960 he graduated from Bellbrook High School as the all-time leading scorer, a record which he still holds today. From 1960-1964 he played for Adolph Rupp on the University of Kentucky basketball team. He spent the first year of his teaching/coaching career at Scott County Middle School. He then went to Owen County, teaching and coaching there for two years. After that, he served the rest of his career in the Adair County Schools, teaching/coaching (in his signature green suit), then serving as the principal of the Adair County High School and ending his career working at the Central Office.
While he retired from education, he continued farming. During his younger years, he raised tobacco. He also loved keeping his fields looking nice and worked hard to keep the farm going. Mr. Critz had a special interest in old cars and, after retirement, loved going to local car shows. He enjoyed collecting old Native American artifacts and old wooden clocks. The last few years, he delighted in attending Midnight Madness as a guest of the UK Men’s basketball program.
More than anything, however, he adored his family. Routinely he talked to siblings, other family, and friends while watching UK games. He loved getting group photos, going on family vacations and to reunions, and sending out the family Christmas card. No one was happier than he was when a little grandchild would sit on his lap and when the big ones would come to visit. Band competitions, art shows, academic team meets, sporting events, award evenings, dance, and gymnastic recitals (some 4+ hours long!), cheer events, and concerts/music programs…he supported his children and grandchildren by attending them all! He was a beloved Dad and superb Papa to all his grandchildren.
Mr. Critz was a member of the Columbia United Methodist Church, where he loved his men’s Sunday School Class and fellow church members. He was blessed to have the support of friends, neighbors, and his community. He will be so dearly missed.
SURVIVORS:
His wife: Doris Barnett Critz of Columbia, KY
4 children: Laura Lee Hansen (Ron) of Washington Township, OH, Liana Pippen (Craig) of Glasgow, KY, Andy Critz (Jessica) of Bronston, KY, and Leah Ballou (Kyle) of Columbia, KY
10 grandchildren: Hannah Pippen, Clay Pippen, Cameron Pippen, Dori Ann Ballou, Ricky Hansen, Holly Ballou, Kylea Ballou, Cadence Critz, Carson Critz, and Charlotte Critz
5 siblings: Rose Fey of Oneida, TN, Richard Critz (Cheryl) of Xenia, OH, Bruce Critz (Brenda) of Cincinnati, OH, Pam McKeever (Rick) of Bellbrook, OH, and Barbara Critz of Aurora, Colorado
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Percy Gray Critz and Geneva Mae Gray Critz and his maternal grandparents: George Andrews and Maude Thomas Andrews.
Funeral Service: Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 1:00pmCT at the Columbia United Methodist Church sanctuary with Rev. Boatright officiating
Visitation: Starting at 10:00amCT on Saturday at the church
In honoring Mr. Critz’s wishes, cremation will follow the service.
Pallbearers: Ron Hansen, Ricky Hansen, Craig Pippen, Clay Pippen, Cameron Pippen and Kyle Ballou
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in Columbia, KY is in charge of the arrangements.
