John Chester Spurny, 76, of Gulf Breeze, FL, passed away on January 19, 2026.

In life, it is not what you have, or what you get, it is what you become for others... and these special people will always remember you for how you made them feel. John Spurny knew this adage well; he lived it. John never met a stranger, and his passing will leave a hole in people's hearts who knew him. He will be remembered for his passion for the people he met, Marine Corps, LSU and his undying thirst for new knowledge and adventures.

Born January 5, 1950, in Key West, FL, John spent his young life in Pensacola, FL, and graduated in 1968 from Escambia High School. He then spent a year at LSU in pre-veterinary studies. In 1969, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam and earning National Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After fulfilling his military duty, John completed a BFA from University of South Florida. John had many talents and interests having worked everything from welder's helper offshore to installation manager installing playgrounds nationally and internationally. His most challenging job was being a loving full-time caregiver for his parents. While taking care of his parents, John joined the Escambia County Master Gardener Program. John has taken his love of LSU to be the dedicated President of the Panhandle Bayou Bengals LSU Alumni Chapter for over 23 years.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Milton Spurny and brother, Milton Spurny, Jr.

He is survived by his loving partner, Peggy Arnold; nephew, Joel Spurny (Hiromi, Louie, Cade), and cousins, Ray Rosam (Betsy), Mildred Rosam, Lana Griffin and Mary Pittman Rodriquez.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00pm-4:00pm Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Shooter's Sports Bar and Grill, 2111Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL.

A graveside service will be held 11:00am Monday, February 9, 2026, at Barrancas National Cemetery, with Lt Col Elaine Hendergon, USAF (ret.) officiating and military honors. A funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd. Pensacola, FL at 10:30am sharp.