George Marks

George William Marks August 31, 1954-September 18, 2023 George was a dedicated, loyal, and loving Husband, Father, Papa, Son, Uncle, Brother, Cousin, and Friend who lived life to the fullest. Anyone who knew him knows he loved his family and friends “forever and ever, and always will”. He was a protector, fighter, and an eternal optimist, fighting pancreatic cancer with a vengeance. He fought extremely hard, but ultimately lost the battle on September 18, 2023. He loved his family and his friends with all his heart, teaching us how to make long lasting memories and to love unconditionally. He always focused on creating memories to last all of our lifetimes and beyond. He made friends wherever he went, developing lifelong friendships. He made us laugh with his quick-witted humor, and always knew how to make people feel good about themselves. To know George was to know you were loved. His faith in the Lord was un-wavered, he prayed often, and he leaned on the Lord until it was time to go home to Him. He is finally healed and at peace. He was a highly decorated Vietnam Vet who proudly served in the United States Navy, receiving a bronze star and several other honors for his services. He had such a love and passion for music listening to and influenced by big band, blues and funk music. He not only played the trumpet, flugel horn, percussion, and vocals since his middle school days he also wrote music and arrangements and wrote lyrics. He was a member of the band Blue Dice for a few decades (www.bluedice.com), and throughout his lifetime was in other bands such as Funk’N 8, Avatar, and played in the Blue Dice Horn Section for bands like the Dukes of Juke, and multiple others over the years. He had the experience of sitting in with BB King, Tower of Power and other popular artists as well. He shared his passion and love of music with his children and grandchildren, making their lives richer. He loved to travel, yet was proud of the city he called home and proudly supported Tampa, flying flags high and sporting the gear for all the Tampa Bay professional sports teams. George is predeceased by his parents Harry and Margaret Marks. George is survived by his loving wife, Marcy Marks, whom he always referred to as his soul mate and the love of his life; by his loving family members; his daughters, Jennifer Brewer and Lisa Marks Stapp and husband Tommy Stapp; his grandchildren, Landon Brewer, Adriana Chavez-Marks, Tyce Booker, Dillon Stapp, and Madison Stapp; his brothers Rick Marks and Jim Marks; his Mother-in-law Elizabeth Griffin; his Sister-in-Law Michele Russell and husband Scott Russell; sister-in law Carla Hoehn and husband Alex Hoehn; Brother-in-law Chris Veleno and wife Cindy Veleno; Sister-in-law Tina Peacock and husband David Peacock; many cousins, and many, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews who all loved him very much. “To live in the hearts of those we love, is to never die” -unknown George’s Celebration of Life Friday, September 29, 2023 at 2:30pm Oakstead Community Center 3038 Oakstead Blvd, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638 **Casual attire, flip flops, and bohemian wear encouraged** If you would like to send flowers, please send to 3038 Oakstead Ashmonte Dr, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638 prior to the Celebration on September 29, 2023. A group rate is available for accomodations. Click here to be redirected to the link for the group rate.