He passed away Saturday, 29 June, 2019 at home with his family by his side, holding his hand, as he went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Gene was a devoted husband for 64 years to his wife, Jo Ann, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He graduated from Lufkin High School in 1949 and from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1957 with a degree in Accounting. He served in the US Army in Korea and loved his country; a passion he passed down to his children and grand-children.
Gene retired from Brookshire Brothers as Executive Vice-President after 40 years of service. He held many hats within the company, including Chief Financial Accountant and Chief Executive Officer. Gene pioneered many groundbreaking ideas within the company and within the community.
He was dedicated to his faith and was one of the founders at Believers Bible Church in Lufkin, where he was an elder, deacon, and taught Bible study in their home. An adventurer who loved to travel, he and Jo Ann explored all 50 states together in their RV and visited over 12 countries on three different continents. He was an artist with a variety of hobbies including birdwatching, stargazing and handwriting analysis.
Gene leaves behind his loving wife, Jo Ann of Corpus Christi, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Barbara Nerren of Heath, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Richard Troth of Grove City, Ohio; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Toni Cheryl of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandson, John Martin Troth; granddaughters: Misty Wright, Chelle Troth, Nia Nerren, and Nyla Nerren. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, all whom he adored. Survivors also include his sister, Doris Reid of Little Rock, Arkansas and several nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, 2019 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 3115 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, with Kenneth Ricks officiating. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM.
Burial will be at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, with full military honors, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made to any Hospice organization.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CageMillsFuneralDirectors.com for the Nerren family.
