WEST BLOOMFIELD — Michael George, a pillar in metro Detroit’s Chaldean community, and one of the most recognizable businessmen in Michigan, passed away Tuesday, June 24. He was 81.

George, a West Bloomfield resident, was widely known for being the founder of Melody Farms Dairy. The company was one of the largest dairy companies in the state and reported more than $150 million in yearly sales during the 1990s. 

George’s legacy will live on in the countless number of Chaldeans who turned to him for loans to help get their small businesses started and in the community organizations he was influential in establishing. 

George played a major role in the establishment of Southfield Manor and later the Shenandoah Country Club. George was the lead organizer of Bank of Michigan in Farmington Hills. He also served on as many as 19 business and community boards and was the former chairman of the Chaldean Federation of America. 

“Michael J. George was a metro Detroit leader, known for his community and business leadership, but also for his warmth and kindness,” Gov. Snyder said. “He is a classic Michigan and American success story, building a family business from a single milk route into the Melody Farms dairy business known to people across the region. He was a driving force in the formation of the First Bank of Michigan, focused on helping small businessmen grow and thrive. Detroit, and Michigan as a whole, is a better place because of Michael J. George and the people he inspired. Their success will be his legacy.”