Eugene Thomas "Gene" Self, 86, of Brunswick passed away at home Friday, May 23, 2025.

Born and raised in Brunswick, Gene was the son of Jefferson Thomas "JT" and Levonia Boyd Self. He attended Glynn Academy and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. After the Air Force, he worked for nine years as a welder repairing Navy ships at Runyan's Shipyard in Pensacola, FL. He returned to Brunswick and worked for the Pipefitters Union #177 for over 30 years until his retirement. He was a member of Arco Baptist Church.

Gene married the former Linda Ruth Owens, whom he lovingly called "Baby Ruth," in 1963, and they were married for 51 years. These two adventurers traveled in their RV while Gene worked all over the country for the union – paid vacations, he called them. At different stages of his life, adventures like racing motorcycles and SCUBA diving were his passions. He liked playing cards and dominoes but preferred to be outdoors. Mostly, though, he was a "tinkerer" who loved fixing up old cars – and whatever he fixed up (or "Gene-d up") always worked. He was crazy about banana pudding, mayo, striking up conversations with strangers, and never missed a chance to compliment a pretty girl.

Gene was a generous man with a good heart for people. Always happy to lend a hand, he was even known to give away one of the old cars he'd fixed up to someone in need. Gene was a good and loving husband, father, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Ruth Owens Self, his parents, and his brother, Ralph Cunningham Self.

He is survived by a daughter, Eugenia Dawn Self Cummings, of Jacksonville, FL; three sons, Kirk Self and Karl Self of Brunswick and Creig Self (Charlotte) of Toccoa, GA; six grandchildren, Eric Meyers of Jacksonville, Fl, Colter Cummings of Jacksonville, Fl, Marshal Cummings of Jacksonville, FL, Catherine Self of Brunswick, Lawton Self of Brunswick, and Jessa Self of Toccoa; brother-in-law, Leo Owens (Grace) and nephews, Chris Owens and David Owens (Tabitha), all of Brunswick.

Services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service with Military Honors at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Reverend Charles Smith and Reverend Richie Self. Burial will be in Brunswick Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Tom Browning, Charlie Canas, Tommy Knight, Steve Self, Steve Smith, and Brian Vaughn

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to assist the Self family.