George Lamar Zimmerman, 68, of Tampa, passed away October 26, 2018.  George was born on November 12, 1949 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Harold E Zimmerman and Doris Cook Zimmerman.

George attended King High School in Tampa, FL and proudly served his country by joining the United States Army.  He received an Honorable Discharge in 1968 as a Specialist.  After leaving the Army George worked for 9 years at Ward Oil Company (formerly Melvin Fuel Oil). He moved on to working in the family auto salvage business, Allen’s Used Auto Parts, and continued in the auto salvage industry.

George was always a gentleman and never a met a stranger.  He was kind, caring, and extremely generous to everyone he knew.  He enjoyed fishing and often jumped in the car for a spur of the moment trip to anywhere.  No matter the time, no matter the distance, you could always count on him being the very first one there.  George was a member of the Brandon Moose Lodge where he made many long-lasting friendships.

His family remembers him as loving, reliable, and hardworking.  He found the most joy spending time with his grandchildren, and they all recalled spending their summers with Papa taking them to Adventure Island.  One of many family traditions that George loved was attending Gasparilla.  He only missed a few, but always looked forward to joining his family every year!  He enjoyed passing his time at home on the computer playing solitaire and listening to music – he really loved the Bee Gees.

Many people will recall these funny sayings George often used: ”It’s a jungle out there”, “Glad you got to see me today”, “You’re my first horse even if you never win a race”, and the best yet “C n h”.  For those who don’t know, this means “Call no hurry” because that was literally all you could text on a flip phone.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brother Eugene Zimmerman.  George is survived by his wife of 26 years Susan Zimmerman, girlfriend Michelle Coleman, daughters Stephanie De Los Rios (husband Carlos) and Michelle Watson (husband Michael), grandchildren Gysmel Ferguson, Kaitlyn Zimmerman, Austin De Los Rios, Carlos De Los Rios and Andrew Zimmerman, great grandchildren Adriana and Elysa Ferguson, his sister Beverly Scourtas and nieces Shelly Shuert and Kim Shuert.

Services are being performed by Veterans Funeral Care and a military service will be held at 11 am on November 26, 2018 at Bay Pines National Cemetery Columbarium; 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.; St. Petersburg, Florida 33744.

In lieu of flowers, please place a donation in George’s name to:

Operation Toy Soldier

c/o Veterans Funeral Care

15381 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760