George "G.B." Dubaz, Jr., USN retired

George “G.B.” Dubaz, Jr., USN retired, age 74, of Central Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

A native of Biloxi, MS, G.B. grew up attending St. John Catholic Church and Biloxi Public Schools, graduating from Biloxi High School in 1969. With a calling to help others, he worked for Gulf Ambulance in Biloxi and later as a hospital orderly at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, beginning his lifelong career in the emergency medical field.

In 1981, G.B. joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served as a Navy Corpsman. After a short break, during which he worked as an EMT paramedic on Gulf oil rigs, he rejoined the Navy and went on to serve faithfully for 27 years. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and was a proud veteran of both Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Life after the Navy brought hardship when G.B. endured the loss of his beloved wife, Janice Marie Lizana Dubaz, but found the strength to move forward.

Adventurous, G.B. traveled widely and eventually made his home in New Orleans, where he worked as a tour guide and became a beloved fixture on Frenchmen Street. Known fondly as the “Tambourine Man,” he brought joy to countless strangers with his music and stories. These experiences allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life. Later, he moved to the Orlando area to be closer to his family, cherishing time with his grandchildren and reliving memories with them at Walt Disney World.

He was a life member of the Slavic Benevolent Association, and will be remembered as a man of loyalty, humor, resilience, and spirit.

G.B. was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; his father, George B. Dubaz, Sr.; and his mother, Fern Davidson O’Neal.

He is survived by his children, Stephanie Davidson (Kevin), Elizabeth Dubaz and Adam Dubaz (Megan); his grandchildren, Izabella, Izaiah, Olivia, and Addison; and his brothers, Stephen J. Dubaz, Brian Dubaz (Rose Marie), Robert C. Dubaz (Betty Sue), and Gary A. Dubaz (Lee Ann).

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi. Friends may visit beginning at 10:00 a.m. G.B. will be laid to rest with full U.S. Navy honors at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of G.B. Dubaz, Jr.