George Mumford, founder and chairman emeritus of the Mumford Company, died in his sleep on May 30. Born in 1929, Mumford founded the Mumford Company in 1978 and became a recognized leader in the brokerage of economy and mid-market hotels. In addition to his active brokerage practice, Mumford provided an experienced source of advice and counsel to his colleagues on matters including property valuations, sales strategies, and general business practices.
In his distinguished career at Mumford Company, Mumford was involved in the sale of more than 300 hotel properties valued in excess of $600 million. During the firm’s tenure with Hotel & Motel Brokers of America, Mumford won the “Top Performer” award from 1993 through 1999. He participated in some of the firm’s larger transactions in later years, and led the firm in dollar volume of sales in 2004.
Prior to his founding of The Mumford Company, George enjoyed a notable career with one of Virginia’s largest banks, where he rose through the ranks to become senior regional credit officer. From the banking industry, Mumford joined a large, multi-discipline real estate firm that became involved in numerous facets of the hotel industry, including development, operations, and brokerage.
Mumford graduated from the College of William and Mary and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. Among his many civic and community achievements, he was a past chairman of the Virginia Housing Development Authority and he held numerous leadership positions in groups including the Jaycee’s, the Home Builders, the William & Mary Athletic Educational Foundation, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, Nationwide Motel Brokers, Consolidated Hotel/Motel Brokers, and the North Carolina Hotel & Motel Association.
Mumford is survived by his loving wife of more than 57 years, Margaret; his son, David and wife, Debbie; his son, Paul and wife, Laura and his two grandchildren, Carsen and Logan; his brother-in-law, Bob Petersen and wife, Barbara; sister-in-law, Shirley Strait, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507, or Grace United Methodist Church, designated to the Roof Fund, 1209 Country Club Rd, Newport News, VA 23606.
