Paul B. Gonyon, 84

To view Paul’s memorial video, please click here.

ADC Paul B. Gonyon, 84, passed away peacefully at the Orange Park Moosehaven Schmitz Hospice on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023.

He was born in Burlington, Vermont on April 8th, 1939 to Edward and Dora (Kirby) Gonyon. He was predeceased by his wife, Leila Pauline (Hall), his sister Lorraine (Wheel) of Burlington, VT, his brother Harold (Bozo) Gonyon, and his step-son Daniel Matthew Harper, AVCM/USN-Retired.

Paul retired from the United States Navy as Chief Gonyon after 20 years of service. His career included working as a Flight Engineer in P-3’s and as a mechanic on a variety of aircraft.  His service in Vietnam as a P-3 Flight Engineer earned him Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals as well as an Air Medal (1 Strike).  After retirement, he initially worked as a Deputy Clerk at the Clay County Courthouse. The pull of aviation ultimately brought him back to the Navy where he worked as an Estimator Planner for Jet Engines at the Naval Air Rework Facility in Jacksonville, FL until his retirement.  He also ran a successful business on top of his Naval career, building Florida Rooms.

As a blended family, Papa loved his wife, Polly, dearly.  He loved dancing with her, playing poker, and a good meal- especially a good hamburger.  Always straight to the point, he will be remembered to all his sons, daughter, and immediate family as “The Chief” who guided us in our lives and assisted each of us in our careers, both in the Navy and in civilian life. He will be missed by all.

Chief Gonyon is survived by his children, sons James Anthony (Tony) Harper-Gonyon (Sherry), AW1/USN-Retired, Pastor Dr. Eric Gonyon (Jennifer), step-son Michael (Mike) Harper, LCDR/USN-Retired, daughter Tammy Lindley (James) and his two sisters: Sister Jeanne Gonyon of Beacon, NY, and Mona Vincent (Ronald) of Burlington, VT as well as and an extended blended family of 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Paul B. Gonyon will be held at 10am on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 at Russel Haven of Rest, 2335 Sandridge Rd, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043. Interment will take place in the heritage cemetery on-site following services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Navy & Marine Corp Relief Society.