George Nathaniel Tharin IV

George Nathaniel Tharin IV, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, in Tampa, Florida, with his children by his side, under the compassionate care of Suncoast Hospice at St. Joseph's Hospital.

George was born on February 27, 1940, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was raised in a modest home in South Tampa alongside his brother Darryl (deceased 2025), by his parents Evelyn (deceased 1996) and George III (deceased 1989). He graduated from Plant High School in Tampa, Class of 1958.

In 1959, George enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany at the Reisenbach Army Communications Center near Mudau, where he served as a communications specialist. During his time there, he met his beloved wife, Christa, in the nearby town of Hettingen. They were married on January 20, 1962. In 1963, George was transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he later received an honorable discharge.

Following his military service, George began a 30-year career with Motion Industries in Tampa. He and Christa established their family home in the St. Lawrence Catholic Parish community, where they remained devoted members for over six decades. George was deeply involved in parish life-serving as a charter member of the church choir and music ministry for 60 years alongside Christa. He also contributed as an usher, lector, Parents Club President, and a dedicated supporter of multiple parish building initiatives.

George retired at the age of 53, allowing him to fully enjoy his lifelong passions as a musician and soccer enthusiast. He cherished time spent with family and friends and created lasting memories through his travels across the United States and Europe.

George will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, whose warmth, faith, and generosity touched the lives of many.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Christa; his son George V and daughter-in-law Julie, along with their children Ryan (and wife Monique) and Alec; his daughter Patricia and son-in-law Patrick McCarron, along with their children Meghan and Trevor; and his cousin Gorden Cruger and family.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with a music prelude at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 North Himes Avenue, Tampa, Florida. A reception will follow in Higgins Hall.

The funeral cortege will depart the church at 12:30 PM and proceed to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, where a graveside service with military honors will take place at 2:00 PM.

Flowers may be delivered to the church, 5225 N. Himes Avenue Tampa, FL 33614, on the day of the service between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in George's memory to St. Lawrence Catholic Church's Online Giving - Ongoing Maintenance & Renovation Fund.

Donations may be made by visiting Stlawrence.org.