I tried it with Google play and selected do not auto update and its still auto updating and killing my storage space. I'm very frustrated at this point. Is there any way to make it stop outside of Google play?

Hi there! No worries, it's really simple! :)
1. Open Google Play store
2. In home page of Google Play store, tap Play Store (upper left) or you can also swipe from left to right, options should show-up (Some of which are My apps, My wishlist, redeem)
3. Tap settings
4. You should see an option "Auto-update apps", tap it and choose Do not auto update apps

Let me know if this work for you. :)