Judge George E. Honts died about 11 am on Tuesday, march 23 at Lewis Gale Hospital of a massive brain hemorrage. He was 64 years of age and was to retire from the bench at the end of June. He served the circuit court of Rockbridge and Botetourt counties for over 20 years and was a well beloved and respected jurist. Those that worked with him called him a "true" gentleman and fair in his judgements, always considering the person along with the crime. Honts was an avid genealogist and several of his books traced his Botetourt county ancestors including the Brughs and the Honts. His research papers are in the Botetourt Library. His step-mother, Emily Honts, founded the Rockbridge Historical Society and was its president for many years. She passed away within the last year as well. He will be missed by all his friends and cousins, both near and far. Visitation is today, March 24th at Radar Funeral Home in Daleville from 2-4 and this evening. His funeral will be at St. Marks Episcopal Church in Fincastle tomorrow, Thursday, March 25th at 2 p.m. and he will be buried in Godwin Cemetery in Fincastle not far from the Circuit Court House where he served. Patte Wood Lexington, Virginia