Gene Arthur Durr

Gene Arthur Durr was born to Willie and Bertha Shuford Durr on August 15, 1933. “Sonny” as he was affectionately known to family members was the first born and possessed a gentle spirit and keen sense of humor. He and his sister Verma enjoyed a wholesome upbringing with loving parents and grandparents in Bessemer, Alabama. Sonny accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age and joined Ward Chapel AME Church in Bessemer, Alabama. He attended Bessemer City Schools and graduated from Dunbar High School. He maintained active membership in the Dunbar Alumni Association throughout his life. Gene enlisted in the United States Navy and served God and his country with exceptional courage and the spirit of duty that would have a lifelong impact on his endeavors. Following his return from his tour of duty, he continued service in the government with the United States Postal Service. He retired after 32 years of faithful government service. Gene loved jazz and had an extensive collection of music from all the greats. He also had a thirst for adventure and travel which led him to further his education and obtain a degree as a travel agent later in life. He was preceded in death by his son Kevin and his loving spirit and life memories will forever remain in the hearts of his devoted wife Dorothy Slones-Durr of Lithonia, Georgia; son Keith of Birmingham; daughters Deirdre “Dee Dee” Durr Pearson, Adrianne Jeanine Durr Caldwell (Manus) and two additional children Mark Slones (Tarsha) and Leah Slones all of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Jordan Alexander of Murfreesboro, TN, Cole Christian, Chancelor Hinton, Jordan Mark and Mariah Maxine all of Atlanta, GA; sister Verma Durr Hearns (Willie James) of Bessemer, AL; sister-in-laws Ann Fay of Bremerton, WA; Gwendolyn Gamble and Deborah Smith (Charles) of Birmingham, AL; niece Janice Orange (Ronnie) of Birmingham, AL; nephew Gil Hearns (Sharon) of Birmingham, AL; lifelong friend Lonnie Morrow of Ocala, FL and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 1, 2017 from 1-2 p.m. at Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home with a memorial service following at 2 p.m.