of Jacksonville, FL

July 21, 1966 - January 2, 2021

Brian Paul Gaukel, aka ''BG'', born on July 21, 1966 and deceased Saturday, January 2, 2021. Brian was 54 years old and lived in Jacksonville, Florida; he passed at his home.
Brian was born at the air force base in Columbus, Mississippi to William Paul Gaukel and Sondra (Jaynes) Gaukel Ragland. Brian grew up primarily in Memphis, Tennessee with his mother and younger brother, Brad Gaukel. The extended family of loving aunts, uncles and cousins spent years of weekends in Mt View, Arkansas, where they enjoyed a creek side cabin, fishing, camping, hunting and family time. Throughout their childhood, Brian and Brad would also visit their dad and stepmother, Dee Paras Gaukel in Valdosta, Georgia and Titusville, Florida. Each summer they would visit a different theme park - Disney, Sea World, Silver Springs, Circus World and others.

Brian found scholastic success in the Arts and ROTC. As a Senior in high school, Brian was the Commander of Sheffield High School ROTC Unit (Brad was an incoming Freshman and thrived on the drill team under Brain's leadership). Following high school, Brian served 14 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard and began his career in the glass industry. While Brain established many friendships in Memphis that lasted his lifetime, he decided to relocate to Jacksonville, Florida in 1996. In his 20+ years in Jacksonville, Brain continued his glass industry trade and made new friends quickly. He also found a passion for saltwater fishing and kayaking. While a dog person for many years, Brain fell in love with the pit bull breed with his first pit Champ, an AKC registered pup that Brain fully invested in. Champ started the love affair with the misunderstood breed. Brian owned and cared for pit bulls from then on.

Brian is survived by his father, William Paul Gaukel and wife Dee; his mother, Sondra (Jaynes) Gaukel Ragland; brother, Brad Gaukel; aunts, Marlene Records, Judith Ammons, Sonja Broaddus; cousins, Craig Cook and wife Christi, Kathy Jaynes Bradford and husband Michael, Daniel Hill, Doug Jaynes, Mark Records and wife Rhonda, and Dana Finimore and husband Richard, as well as a loving family of friends.

Brian was a dedicated, caring friend to many. He enjoyed a good time, evidenced by his multiple trips to Cabo Wabo to see Sammie Hagar play live. He was a Patriot and cared deeply about the United States and the principals our country was founded on.

Visitation for Brian will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 from 11:00-12:00 PM at Roller Crouch Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow the visitation beginning at 12:00 PM with Brother Junior Barham officiating. Interment will be at Flatwoods Cemetery in Mountain View, Arkansas following the service.

Pallbearers are Mark Records, Craig Cook, Daniel Hill, Nick Cook, Parker Jaynes, and Kevin Fletcher.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Brian's memory to a cause he loved, Pit Bull Rescue, at Pit Bull Rescue Central, Inc. 312 SW Greenwich Dr. #318, Lees Summit, MO 64082.

We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks and social distancing will be observed.

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