Gary "Chico" Stephen Felis

Gary "Chico" Felis July 25, 1941 – May 27, 2025 Daphne, Alabama

Gary Stephen Felis, aka “Chico”, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 27, 2025, in Daphne, Alabama, at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Gary Stephen Felis, JR, and Emily Marie Felis, his parents, Emile Andrew Felis and Marie Louise Felis, his brother, Paul Andrew Felis, and his first son-in-law Lt. Mark Jonathan Eyre, USN.

He was the devoted husband of Eulalie “Sister” Rogers Felis for 58 years, and a loving father to Lalie Felis Sedlack (John) and Matthew Christopher Felis (Becky). He was proud grandfather to Georgianna Eyre Bolden (Bradley) and great-grandfather to Mark Bolden and Elijah Bolden. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Schreiner (Roland), and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Born on July 25, 1941, Chico lived a life full of joy, generosity, and deep commitment to his family and community. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and McGill High School, where he played baseball as shortstop. He attended Mississippi Southern College (now University of Southern Mississippi) on a baseball scholarship. But his real love was fast pitch softball; playing 3rd base well into his adult years for teams such as: Weinacker’s in Mobile and United Surgical Steel and Turner Electric in Montgomery. His talent and dedication to the sport earned him a place in the Mobile Softball Hall of Fame.

His love of sports did not stop with fast pitch softball. He was an avid Alabama football fan, faithfully cheering on the Crimson Tide through every season – thick or thin – he even survived the “Mike years”. He was a season ticket holder for almost 40 years and gained meaningful, long-lasting friendships with those he sat with every home game and even sharing his “brown water”. Whether attending National Championships with his son, Matt and/or close friends (“Geno bring us a pizza”) or bunking with his granddaughter at her apartment in Tuscaloosa, he always rolled with the Tide. His last home game was this past Fall attending the electric Alabama/Georgia game where he spent time with his family celebrating on the Quad, in the stadium, and bringing home the WIN. Whether on the field or in the stands, he brought energy, sportsmanship, and heart to the game.

A lifelong devotee to Mardi Gras, he was involved in organizations in both Mobile and Baldwin Counties. He came from a long line of float builders that ignited his love of Mardi Gras. He was a key member of a group that brought Mardi Gras to Fairhope, Alabama in 1985. He and his son, Matt, along with others built the first emblem float in a local marina.

Chico loved to tell stories, too often repeated, but always appreciated. Stories of sneaking back to his house – having to jump out of the Austin Healy while it was still moving - after a night of partying with friends. Or the time he hid from the Revenuers in the refrigerator at Theo’s Metro Bar since he and his buddies were drinking underage. Or how he met his wife, Sister - He would always say he was sitting in the Dew Drop drinking a beer when she flew by on roller skates. He could never pass by the Dew Drop without stopping in for a hot dog, a burger, and a Sunday beer.

While he was an avid storyteller, he was also a man of few words. There was the time Sister told him to talk to Lalie about drinking and driving and boys. He went to talk to Lalie, who was on her way to her first spring break at the beach, and told her to “Be Careful”, that was it.

Chico’s life was defined by connection – he had LOTS of friends he treasured. Whether he met you at the Toy Bowl, grade school or high school, softball, East Shore Cafe breakfast bunch, the hair salon, or Bryant Denny Stadium, he loved you all. His sense of kindness was unparalleled. You could always count on him. He was known to assist his friend’s widows by going to the funeral home and helping them through the process.

He brought people together with his humor, warmth, and an easy smile. From the Mardi Gras float barn to the ballfield, to parties on the wharf with 2AM boat rides, his November oyster parties or football Saturdays, he lived with joy and loyalty to those he loved and held closest.

His family would like to express their profound gratitude to those who supported them daily during the last few weeks and in his last days, providing comfort and love. They could not have done it without you.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, toast him with his favorite beverage – a Tall Blonde (Miller High Life).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Mobile, Alabama or The Shrine of the Holy Cross Ladies Altar Society 612 Scenic Highway 98, Daphne, AL 36526.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by the countless lives he touched.

Roll Tide, Chico.