John Christo, Jr., called "Christo" by his family and friends, was born in Marianna, Florida, on January 3, 1922. Christo died peacefully at his daughter's home in Orlando on 27, April, 2015. Christo attended Bay County public schools and transferred to Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, for his senior year. He graduated from Riverside in 1940. He attended the University of Georgia before joining the U S Army Air Corps in 1942. He graduated from basic training at Decatur, Alabama. Christo was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in February, 1943 and received his wings in Selma, Alabama. He was assigned as a fighter pilot instructor in the U S Army Air Corps for his three year tenure in Greenville, Mississippi.
Upon leaving the service, Christo returned to Panama City to rejoin the family business of "Christo's Five & Dime" a chain of variety stores. The business expanded after the war to forty-five stores.
Christo married Mary Lee White from Jones, Alabama, in 1946. They had three children: John Christo III, who resides in Panama City; Phillip Christo; Missy (Irene) Christo Wood, who resides in Orlando.
Christo was pre-deceased by his father John Christo, Sr. (1973), his mother Irene Apostle Christo (1986), son Phillip (2004); brothers, Gregory J. Christo (1967) and A.I. Christo (2006); and granddaughter Brooke L. Christo (1999). He is survived by: son John III; daughter (Missy) Irene Christo Wood (Frank) of Orlando; brothers George J. Christo and Jimmy J. Christo both of Panama City; sister Gladys Christo Pickett of Stewartsville, Missouri; granddaughter Kelley Christo-Dupuis of Orlando; great Grandchildren: Grayson E. Dupuis & William W. Dupuis IV both of Orlando, FL.; and an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Christo's first association with Banking was as a shareholder and as a member of the board of directors with the Southern National Bank in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Christo and Rayford Lloyd purchased Bay National Bank & Trust Co. on September 4, 1961. Bay National Bank & Trust Co. ultimately became Bay Bank & Trust. They subsequently organized the First National Bank of Panama City which was later sold. Christo purchased Lloyd's interest in Bay National Bank & Trust a few years later. Both banks were very innovative in banking through their participation in the Small Business Administration loan programs. For many years they were the largest SBA participating Banks in Florida. Additional programs included Farmers Home Administration, FHA, VA and conventional home mortgages. Bay Bank & Trust was the first bank to open branches in Bay County. Bay Bank also offered free armored truck service to commercial customers and trust services to the general public. In 1994, Bay Bank & Trust was sold to Kenneth Padgett.
Christo's was appointed to the Florida Development Commission and he served under three governors: Ferris Bryant; Hayden Burns; and Claude Kirk. He was President of the Chamber of Commerce and also served on the business committee of the US Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he was an officer on the Bay County Library Board and was instrumental in the building of the new library at the Marina with Jane Patton. Christo was also a Rotarian for 27 years; a member of the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and a member of the Panama City Country Club.

Viewing will take place at Wilson Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 3, 2015 with a memorial service at 6 p.m. following the viewing.
Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, May 4, 2015 at the St. John Theologian Greek Orthodox Church at 12:00pm. The church is located at 136 West Baldwin Road. Interment Services will be at Greenwood Cemetery following service at the Church with Father George Dursa Officiating.

If desired, donations may be made to: Hospice of the Comforter Orlando; Good Samaritan's Purse (Rev. Franklin Graham); or Wounded Warriors Foundation.