George “Bubba” Ellison Owen Jr. passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle following a catastrophic stroke.

Bubba is survived by his loving wife of nearly 47 years, Susan Owen. He is also survived by his three beloved children, Daniel Owen (Erica), Tara Jeroloman (Chuck) and Brooke Oliver (Brian), along with his six beloved grandchildren, Owen, Chase, Cade, Ryleigh, Brady, and Dakota.

Bubba was born to George Ellison Owen Sr. and Ramona Martin Owen Smith in Biloxi, Miss., on October 9, 1954. They moved to Jacksonville, Fla., when he was six months old, and he grew up there playing baseball and football. It speaks to his character that his childhood friends became his lifelong friends. He always referred to these best friends as “the buds,” and his family knew them well. He graduated in 1972 from Englewood High School and went on to study pre-law at Jacksonville University, graduating in 1976.

Bubba was always a hard worker. From his childhood years through his college days, he combined his passion for sports with his work, first as a batboy and then as the clubhouse boy for a Mets minor league team, the Jacksonville Suns. He loved sharing stories of his days in the clubhouse with Mets greats such as Tom Seaver and Tug McGraw. His many years working for The Jacksonville Suns propelled his Mets fandom for the rest of his life, sharing his passion for his team with his family. Family vacations included the Subway Series in New York and even the Subway World Series in 2000.

Without question though, Bubba would say his greatest accomplishment while living in Jacksonville was dating and then marrying Susan. They met as teenagers, and Susan always loved reminiscing about how she felt her heart hit the floor the moment she saw Bubba for the first time outside their school’s gymnasium. They married on July 2, 1977, and moved to Houston, Texas, where he graduated from law school at South Texas College of Law in May of 1980.

Bubba and Susan then moved to Saint Petersburg, Fla., and he began practicing law with his uncle, Rex Owen. They resided there for 43 years, including in their dream home on the water for 33 years.

Bubba’s greatest joy in life came in 1980 when he became a father. From there forward, his life was dedicated to being the best provider he could be for his family. There was nothing Bubba took greater pride in than his family. He shared his love of sports with his three children. He loved coaching Danny’s baseball teams and supporting him at his football and basketball games. Bubba was always a fixture in the stands at Tara’s gymnastics meets, volleyball matches and softball games, and he was sure to never miss Brooke’s volleyball and softball games.

Bubba was thrilled when his children met their spouses. He loved his sons-in-law and daughter-in-law as if they were his own children. He was also (jokingly) thrilled to finally have his daughters’ spending habits off his payroll. Bubba had the best sense of humor. He never left his sense of humor at home, even at the altar giving away his oldest daughter with a big “Good luck!” and an even bigger smile to her future husband on their wedding day. But truth be told, even long after all of his children were married, he still took care of them in many ways, from very big things to the smallest of things. For example, they could not come home for a visit and leave without getting into their car and realizing their gas tank was filled and their tire pressure was good to go.

Though Bubba held many titles, his favorite one may have been “Papa.” He loved spoiling his grandkids with an endless amount of sweets, even taping gummies to the front door as a welcome upon entering his and “Mimi’s” home. And to his grandkids’ delight, Papa was known for sneaking out of the house just to bring back yummy treats such as Wendy’s Frosties. Bubba also enjoyed talking about and watching his grandkids play their sports, taking them fishing and filling up their piggy banks. Sometimes they would even have to work for their money as unbeknownst to his grandkids, Bubba would strategically place coins in the yard ahead of time, and then together they would treasure hunt with his metal detector. There was no greater satisfaction for Bubba than seeing his grandkids happy.

Bubba was known for the kind deeds he did for others including countless clients, family and friends. His one stipulation though - he didn’t want any credit for his generous giving. Oftentimes, these kind acts centered around law, and if someone was a friend of his wife or children, then they were a friend of his, and he would extend a helping hand no questions asked.

Bubba was known for his love of the Florida Gators. His family attended countless Gator football games as he was a season ticket holder. His children would tell you that many of their fondest family memories centered around time traveling to home and away Gator games. And Bubba made sure to cover every inch of the family car with as many Gator magnets and flags as it could possibly hold. Bubba even gifted Susan and Danny with tickets to the 1995 National Championship Game in Arizona, but after a loss that year, he made sure to attend the 1996 National Championship Game in New Orleans with “the buds.” This proved to be better luck as the Gators won, and Bubba was one very happy Gator! Then in January of 2009, he took the whole family to Miami to watch the Gators win the National Championship!

Bubba was quite the jokester and has left behind a trail of good memories that include countless laughs. He had nicknames for everyone, and involving someone in his humor was part of his love language. One of his favorite things to do was fish off his dock. His kids would be swimming in the pool and the next thing they knew there would be fish swimming with them. Even better, they would open up the fridge and to their surprise, a fish would be flopping around inside. Bubba would do anything for a smile and laugh. His family has countless texts from him with his witty humor shining through.

While Bubba did love fishing, he also loved relaxing by the pool, making memories at his North Carolina mountain house while his kids were growing up, giving his children and their friends a good time on the boat, the slower pace of his lake house outside of Gainesville, pressure washing, fixing things (or as Susan affectionately called it - “Bubba Rigging”) and getting great BOGO deals.

Bubba’s biggest love, besides his family, was his four-legged children. Brandy and Cody followed Bubba everywhere knowing he was full of snuggles and good food. They ate as well as anyone in the family. Bubba loved his grand-dogs just as big and found immense joy in spoiling them too.

And while Bubba loved many things, there were some things he did not like. These mainly consisted of dressing up, having his picture taken and the Florida State Seminoles. But, even his Seminole family and friends would say, it was all in jest… sort of.

His wife, children, family and friends will continue to reminisce about the wonderful, funny and loving person he was as they celebrate his life in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, May 5th at the San Jose Country Club. Your continued prayers are welcomed as his family learns to navigate life without their beloved husband, father and Papa. 

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