George R. Coston

COSTON, George R. 76, of St. Petersburg, was called to heaven on May 18th, 2008 to help beautify God's gardens, after a lengthy illness. George was a member of the Assembly of God Church. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on May 26th, 1931 and came to St. Petersburg with his mother, Eula 73 years ago. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School and joined the U.S. Navy. George retired from the St. Petersburg Police Department in 1973 and was one of the first motorcycle policemen. He earned a degree in Criminal Justice and attained the rank of Sergeant on the police force. George owned and operated Neeld-Gordon Garden Center with his business partner and best friend Rick Golding. He was predeceased by his first wife, Peggy; a son, George, Jr.; and his mother Eula. George married his childhood sweetheart Virginia "Ginnie" E. DeBay in 2002 whom he adored dearly and is survived by his beloved wife of 6 years; 2 daughters-Debbie L. Manzano of Sierrra Vista, AZ and Linda L. Mills of Tampa, FL; 2 sons-Gregory R. Coston and Jack E. Coston of St. Petersburg; 7 grandchildren - Andrew, Beth, Stephanie, Benjamin, Sancho, Stacie, and Joshua; and 8 great-grandchildren-Jonathan, Liam, Adam, Emma, Luke, Boston, Lilly, and Chase, 4 step daughters Deanna DeBay, Lori Watson, Dorena Bedwell and Valerie DeBay.