G C Budd Costner, 84, of Arcadia, Florida, died July 21, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. Budd was born December 24, 1925, in Winter Haven, Florida. He graduated from Haines City High School in 1942. The following day, he joined the Navy and became a radio-gunner for SBD Dauntless fighter planes on the USS Bataan. After serving his country, he used the GI Bill to earn a BS degree in Horticulture at the University of Florida. He began his career in the citrus industry as Production Manager with C. W. Adams in Lake Alfred, Florida. Over the next 20 years, he worked industriously in Polk County with Polk County Fertilizer, Holly Hill Citrus Products, and Haines City Citrus Growers Association. In 1972, he moved to Desoto County and formed Agri-lab, a citrus research and consulting firm, which led to his final business venture-Costner Caretaking Service, Incorporated. This company, formed with his wife, Mary, and son, David, garnered him respect throughout the industry due to his innovative practices and expertise in citri-culture. Though he retired in 2004, he was always willing to assist anyone with citrus problems. Budd was a Rotarian. He served two terms as President of the Rotary Club of Arcadia and was a six time recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. In February, 2010, fellow Rotarians chose him to receive the Service Above Self Award. As a member of the Masons, he served as Chaplain of Peace River Lodge #66. In 1996, Desoto County Chamber of Commerce recognized Budd and his wife, Mary, as Humanitarians of the Year, due to their tireless work on local projects for youth in the community. As an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, he loved serving in many capacities. However, he delighted in his position as church photographer. Survivors include, wife, Mary, daughter, Jari Francis and husband, Bob, of Greensboro, GA; son, David Costner and wife, Pam, of Tampa, FL; son-in-law, Joe Seitz of Casselberry, FL; son, Cliff Slater and wife, Divina, of Baldwyn, MS; daughter, Sandra Fischer, of Navarre, FL; and daughter, Connie Welser, and husband, Paul, of Lewiston, MI; his sister Diane McNair, of Plant City, FL; 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, G. V. and Vera Costner, sister, Mary Jane Kirby, and daughter, Judi Seitz. He will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, an avid Gator fan, a humble servant to his fellow man and community, a man who valued a strong work ethic, and above all, a proud American! An Encounter with Victory Service will be held at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 304 W. Oak Street, Arcadia, FL, 34266. Budd requested donations be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Youth Group, 304 W. Oak Street, Arcadia, FL, 34266 or Florida United Methodist Children s Home, 51 Children s Way, Enterprise, FL, 32725 Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia, FL is in charge of arrangements.