Gary C. Ammons Sr.

Gary C. Ammons, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in St. Augustine, FL with his loving family by his side. He was born on May 13, 1941, to James & Lillie Belle Ammons in St. Augustine, where he was a lifelong resident. He was 81 years young. He met his bride (to be), while she was working at Grahams Department Store downtown. They started dating (but only after he agreed to start attending church, which he quickly did) & thus their love story began. They were married on January 17, 1960, at Calvary Baptist Church. They had five children together, but he was also a father figure to many. Their first child was born in December 1960, and their last in 1973. Their love endured (on earth), for 62+ years & will continue into eternity (once they will meet again). He is preceded in death by his firstborn son, Gary C. Ammons, Jr., his mother Lillie Belle Brewer, and his brother James Reginald Ammons. He is survived by his loyal & faithful wife Betty, whom he always referred to as his “bride”, and to whom he was always known as her “loving husband”. He’s also survived by his daughter & son-in-law Randy & Rhonda Haire, his son & daughter-in-law Jimmy & Pamela Ammons, his daughter Lorrie Ammons, his daughter & son-in-law Todd & Marchia Hooper, his loving sisters, Sharon Melcheke, Wanda Miller, and Ina Bright, as well as his brother (who was more like a son) & sister-in-law, Robert & Gina Ammons, Sr. He had 3 grandchildren, Brandy Haire, Daniel Haire (& wife Johanna), and Bryce Martin (& wife Hayley). He also had 7 great-grandchildren, Angelina Haire, Nevaeh Farr, Hayden Martin, Jaklynn Farr, Carter Haire, and twin girls Shyloh & Marley Martin. He had many other beloved family members, as well as numerous cherished friends. In his early years of marriage, he worked as an animal trainer at Marineland of Florida. There he helped to train dolphins, whales, and even a rare hippo but had to retire after 13 years of service (due to skin damage from sun exposure). He then went on to begin a new career at FEC Railway, where he began as an overnight crew caller. He retired 29 years later, as a payroll accountant. What he never was able to retire from, however, was being the best husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather that he could be. He loved spending time with his family, going fishing, watching NASCAR, and more. He even raced cars for a while, on dirt tracks, with his car number being his lucky number 13. He was one of a kind, will be deeply missed, and will be forever in our hearts. Visitation will be at St. John’s Family Funeral Home on Saturday, July 30th, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The funeral will follow, starting at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Craig Memorial Park. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gary C. Ammons Sr.

May 13, 1941 - July 24, 2022