Gary Holton Jackson Steakhouse owner Gary Holton died suddenly Monday, June 19, at age 68.

Holton, a native of Soperton, Ga., had lived in Jackson and operated the restaurant since 1987. Before moving to Clarke County, he owned restaurants in Eastman, Ga. and Chester, S.C.

According to his son Jason Holton, who took over operation of the Jackson Steakhouse in 1999 when his father semiretired, he first got into the business while working in a meat packing plant as a meat cutter and salesman. "Through his job there, he met Paul Blackburn who was in the book and music business and had other interests throughout the country," said Jason. "They eventually partnered in the restaurant business."

The younger Holton said he believed his father loved the restaurant business because he enjoyed getting to know people. "I know that's what makes me get up and go every morning," he added.

It is believed that Holton suffered a heart attack while at the restaurant, Monday. According to longtime Steakhouse employee Jane Harrell, he began complaining of chest pains and was transported to Jackson Medical Center, where he died a short time later.

"It was just such a shock to everyone," said Harrell. "He seemed fine that morning. He will certainly be missed by a lot of people."

Jason said his father considered Jackson his home and had recently said he had no plans to ever return to Georgia. "He loved it here. He liked the town and the people here and he left us doing what he enjoyed the most," he said.

Holton is survived by his wife Barbara, three sons, Lynn Holton and Jason Holton, both of Jackson, and Kevin Holton of Savannah, Ga., two daughters, Lisa Richburg of Savanna, Ga. and Andrea Richardson of Jackson, a brother, A.L. Holton of Ft. Worth, Texas and 13 grandchildren.