Robert J Phythian

Robert J. Phythian “Gunny” December 15, 1955 –October 19, 2018 of St. Augustine – It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of GYSGT (Ret.) Robert J. Phythian. Being adopted in Jacksonville, North Carolina and raised in a Marine Corps family. He lived in Hawaii, Turkey, and Germany and Florida throughout his childhood. Gunny enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 in 1973. He would go on to serve in Vietnam, the Philippines, Okinawa, England, Somalia, Desert Storm, and countless other duty stations. While traversing the globe seven and a half times in his 22 years of dedicated service to the United States of America, Gunny proudly served on the USS New Orleans, as well as having the distinct honor in assisting the final decommissioning of the USS Missouri. Gunny retired from the service to St. Petersburg in 1994. He then followed his passion of boat building and sailing, being employed with Irwin of St. Petersburg, Luhrs of St. Augustine, and Sebastian Harbor of St. Augustine as harbor master. It was around this time Gunny was then “adopted” into a new family, gaining his sister Beverly, and nephew David. While working for The Pantry Corporation, Gunny became quite active in his community, dedicating nearly nine years of volunteer service to The American Red Cross as a volunteer lifeguard, WSSI, and Instructor Trainer, as well as lifeguarding in Jacksonville Beach. After deciding to slow down professionally, Gunny became a favored employee of Golden Ox. Most recently he was employed as a delivery driver, proudly displaying his greatest passion, his beloved CJ7 Jeep, which was full of dog treats for his favorite four legged customers. Gunny will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and animals. With the biggest, kindest, and most giving heart, his selflessness will go unparalleled through the ages. Gunny is survived by his brothers - Michael Phythian and Steven Phythian, both of St. Petersburg, a sister - Beverly Martin of Texas, a nephew - David Ayers of St. Augustine, countless friends as close as family, and four loving dogs that were very much his children. Military Full Honors Service will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery 11/19/18 at 2:00pm. We ask that, in true Gunny fashion, attire for the service be a collared shirt, jeans, and flip flops/sandals. A celebration of life gathering will be held at Ann O'malley's, 23 Orange St. St. Augustine, Fl. beginning at 5:00pm. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Robert J Phythian

December 15, 1955 - October 19, 2018