Jeffrey Daryl Ganung, 71, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away quietly on October26, 2025, following a short illness, with a dear friend at his side.

Jeff was born on May 9, 1954, at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, to Daryl Raymond Ganung and Patricia Hancock Ganung. He attended Orange City Elementary and graduated from DeLand High School with the Class of 1972.

Soon after graduation, Jeff enlisted in the United States Navy and enjoyed a distinguished 20-year career in the submarine force, retiring as a SCPO in 1992. As a Chief Machinist’s Mate (MMCS), he specialized in steam propulsion systems aboard nuclear-powered submarines, one of which was the SSN 646 Grayling.

In addition to being a proud “bubblehead,” Jeff also served at Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific in Hawaii and also as a Recruit Training Instructor at RTC Orlando. He later applied his skills during his second career as an engineer with Spirax Sarco Inc. in Blythewood, South Carolina — a British manufacturer of steam management systems.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Daryl Ganung. He is survived by his mother, Patricia Ganung; five sisters, Debbie Rich (Dave), Karen Rich, Leisa Reed (Jack), Melody Brignoni (Abner), and Merrie Fuhrmann (Gary); two brothers, Clay Ganung (LeeAnn) and Bill Ganung; his sons, Scott Ganung (Manida) and Eric Ganung (Jeannette); several grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Jeff is also lovingly remembered by a close friend, Anne Marie Cockrell, who stood by him during the hardest weeks of his life. He called her his angel and she truly was.

In keeping with Jeff’s wishes, a burial at sea will be arranged at a later date. No public services are planned.

He will be remembered with honor for his lifelong dedication to his country, his love of family, and his devotion to the special dogs in his life—Dudley and Apollo.

Fair winds and following seas, Senior Chief.