Juan Pickens

Juan McGary Pickens, aged 61, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. He was born to Janet Lorraine Pickens and Jimmy Allen on November 22, 1961, also in Columbus, Ohio.

Juan proudly served in the Army from 1981 to 1985, completing his Basic Training and AIT with a specialization in Artillery/Weapons Supply Specialist at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Subsequently, he was stationed at Ft. Hood, Houston, Texas, where he earned his diploma. During this time, his Aunt Jeannine was also stationed at Ft. Sam, Houston, Texas, and Juan would often spend weekends with her, as she had her own apartment off base. Juan’s military service also took him overseas, allowing him to explore various parts of the world.

He spent 39 years with the love of his life, June Ann Williams, whom he first met in 1984, during a brief visit home while in the service. In their youth, they attended June’s Prom and Homecoming, enjoyed concerts, and later relocated to California to raise their children together.

Juan had a deep love for spending time with family and friends, particularly enjoying games like spades and bones. Juan worked as a chef at various restaurants and took pleasure in cooking and grilling at home. His specialty was his mother’s famous “Goulash” recipe, always served with a side of cold applesauce. He earned the title of “Grill Master” for his exceptional grilling skills.

In his leisure time, Juan was an enthusiast of pool and racketball and an avid supporter of the OSU Buckeyes. His ultimate source of pride and joy were his daughters, JuJuan and LeKea; his son, Juan Jr (JJ); and his grandchildren.

Juan was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Lorraine Abercrombie; father, Jimmy Allen; maternal grandparents, Gertrude Jeanette Pickens and James Pritchard Pickens; maternal great-grandparents, Ellen Lucille Mathias and McGary Williams; paternal great-grandparents, Murdie King and Pritchard Pickens; uncle, James Pickens; and cousins, Jajuanna Lynn Pickens, Christopher David Overstreet Jr., and Jeffery Owens.

Juan is survived by his lifelong partner, June Ann Williams; his daughters, Jujuan Renee Brown and LaKea Farrell; his son, Juan McGary Pickens, Jr.; his sisters, Jill (Michael) Smith and Joy Cross; his brother, Timothy Jerome (Becky) Porter; aunts, Judy Grinston, Joyce Pickens, Jackie (Stanley) Brookins, Jeannine Shippen, Jodi (Timothy) Morton, Janetta Pickens, J. Renee (Robert) Goodwin, Jeriene Pickens; and a special aunt, Carol Pickens. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of friends.

Juan Pickens, age 61. Sunrise November 22, 1961 and Sunset October 11, 2023.

Visitation 1:00 PM and Funeral Service 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd).