Harold Eugene (“Gene”) Silver, Jr. passed away on February 13, 2020 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina after a brief, but hard fought, battle with pancreatic cancer.
Gene was born on November 7, 1949 in Asheville, NC to Harold Eugene Silver and Pauline Bartlett Silver.
Gene graduated from Erwin High School in 1968, enlisted in the United States Army in 1969, and continued to serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1975. He later graduated from Colton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.
Gene loved life and all of the people in his life. He is survived by his wife (Charlene Rouda Silver), two daughters and sons-in-law (Addie and Brad Ries, and Ashley and Steve Reininghaus), three grandchildren (Annie Katelyn Ries, Ryan Silver Ries, and Lillian Morgan Reininghaus), two brothers (Dennis and Brent Silver), and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents (Harold and Polly Silver) and three brothers (Richard, Robert (who died as an infant), and Gary Silver). He was a cherished husband, Dad, and “Papaw,” who was always quick with a smile, a helping hand, and wise words.
Gene worked hard from a young age rebuilding cars at his father’s garage, “National Frame and Body,” in Asheville, NC. After starting a family, he became an insurance adjuster and moved to Atlanta, GA where he raised his daughters and became an avid University of Georgia football fan. He traveled the country for work and enjoyed helping his clients recover after major disasters (including the World Trade Center towers during 9/11). He retired in 2016 to enjoy life in North Myrtle Beach, SC, where he played golf with the “ODs” at the Surf Club and enjoyed “Social Sundays,” SOS, concerts, and local parades with a treasured circle of friends. He was constantly surrounded with the love of family, with whom he enjoyed beach days, golfing, bowling, Diva races, and annual Fourth of July gatherings. Gene was always at the center of the fun, helping his grandkids build sandcastles, jump the waves, and learn to play golf, and he loved to write songs and entertain his family and friends playing his guitar. He had a strong faith in God and lived his life as a shining example of unconditional love.
Gene loved history, so it seems appropriate to recall the words of Abraham Lincoln – “in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years” – and take comfort in the fact that Gene lived a life well spent on this side of eternity. May he rest peacefully in Heaven.
Gene’s wish was that no service be held, and that his family and friends remember him through happy memories. The family gratefully declines flowers, but if anyone is led to do so, donations in his honor may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Embrace Hospice House, or Palladium Hospice.
A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
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