Anthony "Pops" George Colson

Anthony "George" Colson, 92, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Born February 25, 1934 in Callahan, FL, George displayed an enviable work ethic and complete inability to sit still that would shape his entire life.

He graduated from Ketterlinus High School in St. Augustine, FL in 1953, enlisting in the Navy in 1952 before graduating. After joining the fleet, he began another lifelong habit - collecting multiple jobs and affiliations. During his military stint at Cecil Field, he served as an air traffic controller, security guard, and electrician.

Following his service, George lived in Mandarin for the next 67 years. He worked as an ironworker from 1956 until retirement in 1996, earning lifetime membership in the Ironworkers Local Union 597. He then opened a new chapter with his son, owning and operating a vending service from 1996 until 2021.

George was also a proud member of Masonic Lodge #343, where he served as worshipful master in 1990 and received his 60-year service award. He was also a past President of the Mandarin Shrine Club, a lifetime member of both the Scottish Rite and Morocco Temple, and a devoted member of Trinity Baptist Church of Mandarin. George loved being around people and took great honor in his service with all these organizations. Nothing gave him more joy than the love of his life Alice, whom he married in 1956. During their 55 years together, George and Alice created beautiful memories and cherished each other dearly. Their love story lives on today in their children and grandchildren.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Bertha Colson; his beloved wife Alice Colson; and grandchildren Sean Williams and Samantha Canova. He is survived by his children Diana Stallman (Randy); Rhonda Williams (Wayne); George Colson Jr.; grandchildren Kelly Garcia (Phil); Brian Petty (Jennifer); Brother Johnny Colson (Mary Alice), eleven great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Known by most as "Pops", George treated everyone like family. Some of his favorite hobbies were just simply being outside, whether riding his tractor doing yard work, or tinkering and fixing things; he was truly a jack-of-all-trades. He also loved volunteering at the Florida School for the Blind, where he cooked for each year's Alumni Association event. George would tell you that his greatest achievement was his family, and he was happiest spending quality time with them. His greatest loves later in life were simple Sunday dinners and ice cream trips with the grandkids - no event was too big or too small. We are heartbroken that he is gone but also take comfort in knowing that he is resting now and reunited once with his one true love and all those taken too soon.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, US, on October 31, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A Funeral Service will take place at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, US, on November 1, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Committal Service will follow at Mandarin Cemetery, Mandarin Road and, Jacksonville, FL 32223, US, on November 1, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.