Dr. Gene M. McHargue

April 27, 1947 to February 11, 2010

Dr. Gene Melvin McHargue, 62, of Statesville passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 11, 2010, from a heart attack.

Gene began his life on April 27, 1947, in Greensboro, NC, and was the eldest son to the late William Charles and Ella Allen McHargue. A natural artist who never met a stranger, he was a gentle man with a servant’s heart. Gene graduated from Scotts High School in 1965. He served overseas during his service in the United States Army and then went on to graduate from Mitchell College and Appalachian State University. He served as a high school art and history teacher in South Carolina for seven years before attending and graduating from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He served churches in Kentucky, Georgia, and North Carolina and led mission trips overseas. Gene enjoyed sharing his love for the Lord with anyone he met. He later received his Doctor of Ministry and Ph.D. from Drew University and went on to pursue a career in counseling and teaching. In all of this, Gene was an asset to his community and a great support to those around him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Charles “Chuck” M. McHargue.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Laura Bostian McHargue; two daughters, Karen M. Smith and her husband, Chad, of Greensboro, and Lisa M. Hetzel and her husband, Ben of Black Mountain; a grandson, Cole Hetzel of Black Mountain and was happily anticipating the birth of a another grandson in March. Gene is also survived by his twin sister, Janet L. McHargue of Statesville, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews including his surrogate daughter, Stacey M. Eisele and her husband, William, and their children, Samuel, Madison, and Allyn, all of Statesville.

Services celebrating Gene’s life will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Dr. John Petty and the Rev. Mark Robinette officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites being accorded by the Iredell County Veterans Council Burial Detail.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home and at other times will be at the residence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 202 Centre Port Drive, Greensboro, NC 27409.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family of Dr. Gene M. McHargue.