Gus Butchikas

Gus Butchikas

September 3, 1945 – September 21, 2025

Gus Butchikas, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, surrounded by his family at the age of 80. Born on September 3, 1945, at Lisenby Hospital in Panama City, he was the son of Angelo G. Butchikas and Mae (Audramahic) Butchikas. He was the proud son of Greek immigrants from the Island of Skopelos, Greece.

Gus attended Cherry Street Elementary, Jinks Junior High, Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, and was an honorary member of the Bay High School Class of 1963. He began his college studies at the University of Alabama in 1963 and remained an enthusiastic supporter of Crimson Tide football for the rest of his life. One of his greatest joys was watching Alabama college football games on Saturdays in the fall with his son, Angelo. This was a beloved father-and-son tradition.

From a young age, Gus was immersed in the food and hospitality industry, working alongside his father at The BBQ Ranch, Angelo's by the Sea, and later, the renowned Angelo's Steak Pit. What began with peeling garlic and potatoes at age seven grew into a lifelong passion. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Gus carried forward his family's entrepreneurial spirit into new ventures that would leave a lasting mark on Panama City beach nightlife and dining.

After leaving Angelo's, his first entrepreneurial enterprise was the Gold Mine Saloon, a lively nightlife spot that quickly became known for its music, energy, and fun atmosphere. From there, Gus expanded into real estate development, helping to develop Sugar Beach Condominiums. These condominiums quickly became an iconic part of the Thomas Drive landscape, where Gus, Patti, and their son, Angelo, made their first home together, and which still stands to this day. Never one to stand still, Gus later channeled his energy into Papa Gus's, a diner that reflected his warm Greek hospitality and love for bringing people together. Each endeavor became a gathering place where friends and family could share food, laughter, and community, continuing the legacy his own father began with Angelo's Steak Pit decades earlier.

After stepping away from restaurants and property development, Gus turned his entrepreneurial drive in a new direction with Herbalife International. He rose quickly through the ranks, becoming one of the company's top five salesmen, and his success took him and Patti across the globe, traveling, building friendships, and inspiring others with the same passion and energy he poured into every venture.

In later years, Gus also took over his father-in-law's business, Panama Mini Warehouses, which he managed faithfully and successfully. He continued overseeing the warehouses until the very end of his life, bringing his story full circle as a devoted family man, entrepreneur, and provider who never stopped working for those he loved.

Gus was devoted to God and deeply committed to his beloved wife of 47 years, Patti, who was the steady heart of his life. He was also dedicated to public service, serving for many years on The Salvation Army Advisory Board, working faithfully at local and state election polls for over 40 years, and being a trusted campaigner and confidant to community and political leaders.

Beyond his many ventures and public service, Gus had countless passions. He was an avid coin collector, a passionate Alabama football fan, and a generous cook who took great pleasure in sharing his famous pecan pies each holiday season. His joy came not just from food, but from people-from mentoring young men as a Royal Rangers leader, coaching his son's Lynn Haven baseball teams, to the simple weekly lunches with lifelong friends. With his granddaughter Evey, he was the playful co-conspirator, teaching her Nerf-gun sneak attacks and dancing right alongside her to her favorite songs. He was also remembered for his colorful, quirky socks, which added cheer and fun to every outfit, no matter the occasion.

Gus is survived by his loving wife, Patti Nowell Butchikas; his son, Angelo Butchikas (Brittany); his cherished granddaughter, Evey; his sister, Elaine Cunningham; his brothers, Chris Butchikas and George Butchikas (Carolyn); his brothers-in-law, Bobby Nowell (Linda) and Don Nowell (Debbie); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his trusted companion, Buddy, the little dog who faithfully sat in his lap, kept watch by his side, and brought him comfort during his final months.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Mae Butchikas, and his mother and father-in-law, Buford and Patricia Nowell.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Kent-Forest Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home before the service.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Christian McCarter, George Butchikas II, Ryan Nowell, Chase McCarter, Jason Wolfe, and Ryan Posey.

Special acknowledgments are extended to the Bay High Class of 1963 and his Pi Kappa Tau fraternity brothers, who shared cherished memories, camaraderie, and lifelong bonds with Gus throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army of Panama City or Lynn Haven Methodist Church ministry budget in Gus's memory: https://www.fellowshiponegiving.com/App/Giving/lhmc