George Carey Hauenstein
May 8, 1936 – January 1, 2026

George Carey Hauenstein, lovingly known as Carey, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at the age of 89. He was born on May 8, 1936 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to George Jacob Hauenstein, Jr. and Earline Allsop Hauenstein, and was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marjorie "Margie" Rutland Hauenstein, and by his parents.

Carey's life was marked by deep faith, unwavering integrity, and devoted service to God, family, country and profession.

He attended Mississippi State University, from 1954–1956, where he was a nationally ranked track and field athlete. In 1956, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served, honorably, until 1958, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Upon returning to Hattiesburg, Carey began working at The First National Bank, where his grandfather served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. It was there that he met the love of his life, Margie. He later enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi in 1958 and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

That same year, Carey and Margie moved to Laurel, Mississippi, where he entered the life insurance profession — a calling he would serve, faithfully, for more than 60 years. During their early years in Laurel, they welcomed their two children, Ruth Hauenstein Austin and George Jacob Hauenstein, III (Jay).

Carey's professional excellence led to deep involvement with the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the top 1% of the worldwide financial services industry, where he served on 19 different committees, including the Finance and Executive Committees. His service culminated in his election as President of MDRT in 1989. During his presidency, Carey and Margie traveled to six continents, 49 countries, and 45 U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii. He became a sought-after speaker in the insurance industry, known not only for his passion for the profession but also for his bold and joyful sharing of his faith in Jesus Christ.

Carey's life of service extended well beyond his career. He was deeply active in his church and civic communities. At First Presbyterian Church of Laurel, he served as Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and Session Elder. As a founding member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, he taught Sunday School and was a Session Elder. While a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church he continued to serve as an Elder, as well as a Sunday School teacher. First Baptist Church of Laurel would be his final church home where he was an active member. Carey also taught and served as a national board member with Explorer's Bible Study for more than 30 years Civically, Carey served through being a member of the Kiwanis Club, serving as President of the R.H. Watkins Booster Club, serving on the Pine Belt Mental Health Authority Board (until his death), and serving on the Board of French Camp Academy(also until his death), an organization, especially dear to his heart. In later years, he served as a member of the Gideons International. Carey and Margie were also devoted patrons of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, the Laurel Ballet Guild, and the Laurel Community Concert Association.

Carey was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marjorie Rutland Hauenstein, and by his parents George and Earline Hauenstein. He is survived by his children: Ruth Hauenstein Austin of New Orleans, Louisiana, and George Jacob "Jay" Hauenstein III and his wife, Susan, of Laurel, Mississippi; his beloved grandchildren: Samuel Johnston Briggs (Annie) of Charleston, SC; Bedford Nathaniel Austin of Laurel, MS; George Jacob Hauenstein IV (Bella) of Ocean Springs, MS; and William Harris Hauenstein (Lindsay) of Taylorsville, MS; and his cherished great-grandchildren: William Joseph Briggs, James Thomas Briggs, and Samantha Ann Briggs all of Charleston, SC; and Harper Jane Hauenstein of Taylorsville, MS. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who showed Carey love and kindness in his later years, and to the wonderful members of First Baptist Church of Laurel for their faithful care and support.

Carey loved and closed each of his speeches with the simple wisdom of Robert Fulghum's "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten":
"Share everything. Play fair. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. Live a balanced life... and when you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together."

Carey lived by the promise of this Scripture, and we know he would encourage us to do the same: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." — Isaiah 40:31

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at First Baptist Church of Laurel in 607 W. 5th St., Laurel, MS. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 12:00PM at First Baptist Church of Laurel in Laurel, Mississippi. Burial will follow in Double Church Cemetery Victory in Bassfield, MS.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to French Camp Academy and The Gideons Bible Fund.

Rev. John Helveston will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342.