George Babuka Obituary

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH | George Babuka, 74, former president of ESCOD Industries and co-owner of Shamrock's in Myrtle Beach, died Monday, June 23, 2003.

A quiet, quick-witted man, he always treated everyone he knew with dignity and kindness. ''Good Ole George,'' as he was known by employees and friends, always traveled with a song, singing a full repertoire of big band-era and Russian song selections. An avid golfer with many friends in the professional golf world, he could drive a ball as far as anybody. But his true talent lay in ''spoiling'' his daughter, Patricia, his three grandchildren, Madeline, Olivia and Aidan, and his ''adopted'' children, Margaret Martin Payne and her two boys, Chase and Chad. He delighted in lavishing extravagant and unexpected gifts on both friends and family.

He grew up in Endicott, N.Y., where he and his seven brothers lived on Squires Avenue. After graduating from Union Endicott High School, where he excelled in sports and was a letterman in basketball, he went into the Army. Because of his athletic talent, he soon was recruited as a member of the Army's basketball and baseball teams and spent his Army days traveling throughout Europe entertaining the troops in exhibition games. He started his career at Cadre Industries in Endicott and, later, in Raleigh, N.C. In 1969, his business talents led him to the general manager position at ESCOD Industries in North Myrtle Beach. Soon after, he took the helm as president. Under his 21-year leadership, ESCOD grew from $1 million in revenue to more than $40 million at his retirement in 1990. After retiring from ESCOD, he opened Shamrock's in Myrtle Beach with good friend Mark Kelly.

He died at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta of complications from a surgical infection. His daughter, Patricia, was at his side.

He was born Dec. 26, 1928, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the third son of the late John and Catherine Babuka. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Babuka of Atlanta; three grandchildren; and his brothers, Robert and John of Vestal, N.Y., Peter, Paul and Mike of Endicott and Ed of Rochester, N.Y.

He was predeceased by a brother, Bill Babuka.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at The Surf Golf and Beach Club, 1701 Springland Lane, North Myrtle Beach.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 801 11th Ave. N., North Myrtle Beach. Floral offerings should be sent to the church or memorial contributions may be made to George Babuka Memorial Fund, c/o National Bank of South Carolina, P.O. Box 808, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597.

Sign the guest book at http:
//www.myrtlebeachonline.com.

H.M. Patterson and Son Funeral Home, Oglethorpe Hill, is in charge.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sun News from Jun. 26 to Jun. 27, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for George Babuka

11 Entries

Rex Horne

June 28, 2003

Mr. George was one of the best people I knew and the best boss I ever had.

Elaine Schaefer

June 28, 2003

Dear Patty & Margaret,

While I did not know Papa very well, what I do know is that he was a very kind-hearted and giving person. My children and I were always welcome to use the pool, a real treat during the summer months. My daughter, Ashley, visited him often with Margaret and was especially fond of him.
I hope that your celebration of his life will be joined with his many friends. It was an honor to have known him.

Love,
Elaine Schaefer

Bobbie Freeman

June 28, 2003

My prayers are with you.

jim loy

June 28, 2003

george was one of my customers and i got to know him a bit and i found him to be fair in his thoughts and a delight to talk to. we shared his back yard swing and he shared some of his thoughts on life and living. he will be missed

jim loy nmb pool inc

Della J. Gore

June 27, 2003

As a employee, under his management
at ESCOD North Myrtle Beach, S.C. up until he retired, I found him to be a very concerned person that cared and loved his employees, we all loved and respected him, and he will be missed. With Love, Della (ESCOD Supervisor)

Sybil Thompson

June 27, 2003

Patty, I know that you will miss your dad very much. I worked with him at ESCOD for many years. In fact he was my mentor. He was a wonderful person to work for and he loved you very much. He even entrusted you to my care one night while he was away on business. I knew you as a young girl, but now I see you have become a mother. I'm sure your dad loved and enjoyed the grandchildren as I do mine. I will be at the wake tonight and I hope to see you there. Just know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you and the whole family in this time of sorrow.
A friend and co-worker..Sybil Thompson

Dee Adams Coleman

June 27, 2003

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. George touched everyone who knew him in special way. He will be fondly remembered.

Kacey Ivey

June 27, 2003

I wish to send my deepest sympathy to George's daughter Patricia and his family. Brittany and I loved George very much and will miss him deeply. He was a dear and wonderful man with a giant of a heart.
I worked for George for 14 1/2 years. If there is anything I can do to help in any way please feel free to call on me.

Kathie Horne-Hockman

June 26, 2003

I send my sincere condolences to the family. I worked for Mr. Babuka at Escod from 1977-1993. I personally thought alot of him. He will be greatly missed by many.

JOHN AND SYLVIA BREEDEN

June 26, 2003

GEORGE WAS A DEAR FRIEND WHO WILL BE SORELY MISSED. HIS GENEROSITY WAS BOUNDLESS AS WAS HIS CRAZY SENSE OF HUMOR. AN OUT OF TOWN COMMITMENT PREVENTS OUR PRESENCE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, BUT BE ASSURED THAT OUR HEARTS WILL BE WITH YOU, PATRICIA, AND JOHN AND THE OTHER BROTHERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS. REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES...THERE WERE MANY..

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