Gene Douglas Church

Gene Douglas Church, 82, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on February 2, 2024. He was born on June 29, 1941, in Boissevaine, Virginia. Gene was a retired firefighter from the Tampa Fire Department, dedicating his life to serving and protecting his community. Gene worked hard his entire life and built several homes, vehicles, and machinery with his own two hands. He was a determined, resilient, and honorable man.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores; his daughter and son-in-law Gina and Richard Alan Bahr; his sister and brother-in-law Georgia and Fred Brunck; his brothers and sister-in-laws Jim and Adele Church, Cliff and Terry Church, Bill and Diana Church, Charles and Brenda Church and his brother John Church. His grandchildren, Brittany Grimes and Ashley Magill; his great-grandchildren, Willow and Ridge Grimes, and Luke and Wyatt Magill. His stepsons and step daughter-in-laws, Harvey Lamar Dittebrand Jr. and Kathy Dittebrandor; Thomas Dittebrand and Debbie Dittebrand; and Richard Alan Dittebrand and Vicki Dittebrand. His step grandchildren Lisa Golden, Amanda Melanson,Thomas Dittebrand, Aren and Troy Dittebrand, Richard Alan Dittebrand II and Cody Dittebrand; 16 step great grandchildren and 2 additional great great grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Church, his sisters, Sylvia Froehlicher and Shirley Dukes, as well as his stepdaughters Debra Smith and Brenda Salisbury and his step granddaughter Holly Smith.

The funeral service for Gene Church will be arranged by Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memory's, located at 4207 East Lake Avenue in Tampa, Florida. The funeral home will provide guidance and support to the grieving family during this difficult time. Graveside and Interment Services for Mr. Gene Church will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 12:00 P.M.

Mr. Church will be in state at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home and the family will receive friends and family Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.

Gene will be remembered for his selfless dedication as a firefighter and his commitment to the safety of others. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.