Man who inspired 'Chairs for Charlie' loses cancer battle

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Garden Oaks man who inspired "Chairs for Charlie" has passed away.

Charlie George died Tuesday morning from complications related to his leukemia, according to a family friend.

Three weeks ago, we showed you how neighbors lined their streets with chairs so that George could rest during the walks with his dogs and cat that he took twice a day.

"They put these chairs out for me," Charlie told Eyewitness News earlier this month. "I think it's incredible. I didn't expect this at all."

Now, George is being remembered as a kind man who will be dearly missed.

"We hope his spirit continues to live on," resident Shellye Arnold said.

She and friends set off on a dog walk Tuesday night in honor of Charlie George.

"Chalrie was sweet, a really seweet man and he did a lot for others and it was great others did for him as well," Arnold said.

Arnold helped organize the gesture. George's wife told her it meant the world to him. For now, the chairs will remain honoring him even in his absence.

"It does make me happy to kow we contributed during a really difficult time something that was wonderful," Arnold said.