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Obituaries
George Anton Kingston, Jr.
George Anton Kingston, Jr., 80, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 5, 2021 in Newport News, Va. George, or “Kip” as his family called him, was born in Bangor, Maine, and grew up as a part of an Air Force family in New Mexico (Albuquerque and Roswell). He graduated from Hampton High School in 1959 and attended Christopher Newport College (now CNU). He served his country in the Marine Reserves for six years, rose to the rank of Supply Sergeant, and was honorably discharged in 1970.
George had a long and fulfilling career in banking, beginning as a runner (courier) and elevating to a Vice President, Commercial Lending at United Virginia Bank/Citizens Marine (now Truist). He later worked for and retired from Central Fidelity Bank (now Wells Fargo) as a Vice President, Commercial Lending, in 1998. He often talked about the wonderful mentors and colleagues from both banks and took great pleasure in mentoring a number of management trainees throughout his 30+ year career. He was also Vice President at Hampton-based Diamond Air Compressor & Equipment for five years. After retirement, he was a part-time advisor to Scarborough Nationwide Insurance.
George was a thoughtful and caring person who loved to tell stories. He was a great communicator and connector, and particularly enjoyed encouraging and inspiring young people. He volunteered with several Adopt-A-School programs in Norfolk, participated with youth activities at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School and Church (his member church), and worked with youth at First United Methodist Church.
He was a member of the Jaycees and the Peninsula Chapter of the American Institute of Banking. He served on the Newport News Police Foundation Board and the Peninsula Catholic High School Board.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Camden Kingston, father George Anton Kingston, and youngest brother Gary Kingston, as well as many uncles and aunts who positively influenced his life.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years Florence Griffin Kingston, daughter Kasey Camden Kingston (Jake Walls Greever) and grandson Eric Kingston Greever of Newport News, sister Victoria diBenedetto of Pflugerville Texas, brother William Kingston (Sammy) of Soddy Daisy, TN, brother Dr. Richard Kingston (Nicole) of North Oaks, MN, brother-in-law Dan Griffin (Kay) of Zion Crossroads, VA, Eric’s other grandparents Julie Walls and Boyd Greever, as well as dozens of special and well-loved cousins, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be conducted by Pastor Elizabeth Lutz of First United Methodist Church NN at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Peninsula Memorial Park Cemetery, 12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606.
A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately following at Holiday Inn, 980 Omni Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606.
Memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities (in tribute to the McDonalds coffee group) or First United Methodist Church Foundation.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA.
5 Comments
I remember George for his sincerity and for his talent with people. Our hearts go out to our friend, Florence, who could play cards all night.
Our condolences.
Florence,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Florence and Kasey, Our deepest sympathy to you as we say good bye to our dear friend. He was a lovely host when we visited your house and we loved fellowship with him. He was an enthusiastic supporter of me in my work at First UMC where he often worshiped with you. I remember he said “John why are you retiring now at the top of your game?” Loved him, miss him.
John & Jane LeGAULT
George and I served together in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for a number of years and it has always been a pleasure to renew those days (well, some of them) as we would run into each other here on the Peninsula, mostly at his bank or First UM Church functions. He was a story teller indeed and we had some great visits. My sympathy to the family and friends.
Kip was a dear friend from when we were teenagers growing up on Southampton Ave in Hampton. He was a dear friend and a source of comfort to my family and my mom when she was dying of cancer. He loved my mom and I always considered him a dear friend. My condolences go out to his family and friends who I know will miss his wonderful smile and his loving disposition.