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 his employees and friends, always traveled with a song, singing a full repertoire of big band-era and Russian song selections. A 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 friends and family.

He grew up in Endicott, NY, where he and his seven brothers lived on Squires Avenue. After graduation 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 was soon recruited as a member of the Army's basketball and baseball teams and spent his Army days traveling throughout Europe entertaining thze troops in exhibition games. He started his career at Cadre Industries in Endicott, and, later Raleigh, NC. 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 he 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, 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 daughter, Patricia Babuka of Atlanta; three grandchildren; and his brothers, Robert and John of Vestal, NY, Peter, Paul and Mike of Endicott and Ed of Rochester, NY.

He was predeceased by brother Bill Babuka.

Vistitation 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. Satruday 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, S.C. 29597.