Brian Paul Gaukel

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.The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday January 8th from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd., S. Services will conclude under the care of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View, Arkansas where Brian will be buried in Flatwoods Cemetery.Brian was born at the air force base in Columbus, Mississippi to William Paul Gaukel and Sondra Jaynes 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 Brains 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 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.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..Receiving FriendsGeorge H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home (Southside)Friday, January 08, 20212:00 PM - 5:00 PM4140 University Blvd., So.Jacksonville, FL 32216