Gene it is still unreal to me that when I have a musical thought or question that I cant just pick up the phone and call you about it. I know I was the oldest child and you were the youngest but we were so close and mainly because of our music.  I could call and ask you about a chord or sing you a phrase and you would give me an idea about it.  I miss that and I miss our daily conversations. I know you are with Mama and Daddy and Frank and John but I miss you every day. Keep singing for the angels. I know they love it as much as we all did.
Kaye

I still find it hard to believe Gene is gone.  We had so many good times working together.  What a great musician with a heart of gold.  Rest in peace my friend.

Daddy it’s been 5 long years. It feels surreal as Aidan is attending his senior prom tomorrow night and then graduating in a few weeks. When you passed Devon was doing all of those things.  I think that’s why this year feels so much harder and I have shed a lot of tears this month.  You would be so proud of both boys! I know they miss you terribly and so do I. I love you so much ❤️
Nysha

Since Gene and I worked together in a band for a few years, I would know his voice in a heartbeat.  Everytime I hear Kenny Rogers on the radio (I just heard "The Gambler"), I can plainly hear Gene singing background.  To me it brings back so many good memories of our time together, it brings a smile to my face and reminds me once more just how good Gene was.  What a talented man.  I sure miss him.

Well Daddy it’s been 2 years today since you went to heaven  and I miss you so much. I hope you would be proud of what I am doing. I was nominated as Visionary of the year for the leukemia lymphoma society and I am raising a lot of money in honor of you! People are being so giving and opening their hearts. You had so many people that loved you so much. I wish you could see what we are accomplishing! Tell mother I said Hello and I love you both! ❤️

I remember the music that Gene made. He was a prodigy and he played for and recorded many talented people. Gene and I collaborated on Music from the time he was 11 or 12. We had a great deal in common and I miss talking to him on a daily basis. I know he is out of pain and resting now and probably playing for the Heavenly Choir.
Kaye Golden

Gene it has been a year since you left us for.a Better place. I taught you your first chords on the piano then  it became you who taught me. We went down  lot of musical roads together  didn’t we? I could call you and play a chord for you to tell me what it was and you always could. I will never forget you standing at the end of a piano when you were  9 listening to Jerry Lee Lewis then going home and playing it back. You didn’t read music but you didnt need to. I consider you to have been a musical prodigy. I will miss our collaborations and your genius. I listen to your work all the time and it brings you back for a while. Enjoy where you are because you earned that place in heaven. I would guess that you are arranging for the heavenly choir now. 


One day in 1987, while working at my music store in Salt lake City, Gene and his band mates walked in the door.  They stayed for 5 hours. It was their day off and wanted to find the best Guitar and Keyboard shop in town.  We talked Kenny Rogers, Guitars, Keyboards, Recording gear and they were All great guys.  Randy Dorman, Chuck Jacobs and Gene all became good friends, and I even got to help them outfit their studios in Tennessee with music gear for many years.  Later on, Gene had his Sister Kaye call me and i helped her out too. It was a great time. No better folks in this world.  They're Golden!! :)  I will always have great memories of Gene and his beloved sister Kaye. Take care and God Bless!! 

Kyle Nish
Centerville, Utah

I still can't believe Gene is gone.  We shared so many musical memories over the years.  He was an incredible man and musician.

I can’t believe it has been a year since you passed. I miss you so much. I take comfort in knowing where you are and that you are in heaven with mother. I will be moving into the house next month and I am beyond excited. I know you would be proud of what we have done with it. I will never forget all the wonderful memories we had together and I will always have those in my heart. I love you daddy! 

I just heard today from Gene's daughter that he had passed away.  I'm shocked.  Gene and I were not only friends but we had our own band back in the early 70's.  We worked six nights a week in bars and lounges all over Nashville for over two years.  What I learned about Gene during those times was he was extremely talented, gentle in nature, loving husband, dedicated to music and good friend.  I can't believe the news.  My sympathy goes out to his daughter who must be a great girl...her mom and dad had great DNA!

I had the privilege of working for Gene at the apartment complex.  I enjoyed his stories of the past, his band days, and the present, his family and that grandson he was so proud of.   He was fun to be around.  He will be missed by so many who had a chance to meet him.  

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Gene randomly while working across the street from his home.  We continued to chat often about a wide variety of subjects.   I ALWAYS departed with much more knowledge than when I arrived!  His amazing memory and extremely detailed recall always blew my mind.  He could discuss in detail where he was (40 yrs ago) on what date and exactly what he was doing ....I couldn’t  remember what I had for breakfast!  We talked cars, trees, mowers, deer and yes politics.... I was honored to do some work for him and he was always so appreciative.   I admired, respected him and feel so blessed to have known him.... he will be missed and the mark he left on my life will not be forgotten.... One of a kind Mr. Gene... May you rest in peace.

My first remembrance of Gene was 3rd grade at Stanford Elementary. He walked home with me and when we got to my house he saw that we had an upright piano. I will set the stage, I was taking piano lessons, and so Gene got on the piano and played Boggie Woggie like a pro and something else I can’t remember. My mom of course was awestruck, and said why couldn’t I play like him. Right!  Like anybody could then or now.  My wife and I went to see him at a club when he was with Bobby. They were great.  In later years our paths crossed 3 times,  all at Kenny Rogers Concerts, and he was always so gracious and humble when we got to talk at intermission. Later the last time we talked at a class reunion, he had lost his beloved wife, and he shared his loss.  We of TRHS have lost a classmate and friend, and I believe the big pipe organ in heaven is now in fine hands. 

My memories of Gene go back to January, 1976 when I first heard his amazing, high voice and his soulful B3 chops as he was performing with Bobby and Steve at the Holiday Inn Harding Place. He could sing like no other, and as I got to know him I realized he had more common sense than most others! Any time I had a question about how to grow something, Gene had the answer. And that smile! I can see it now. Rest in peace, dear bandmate and friend.


I go back with Gene to 1964. Together with Larry Apple, Doug Yoder, George Benham, and Johnny McDonald we formed a blue eyed soul band, The Squires. I was the first drummer in the group. My nickname was Box (not to be explained here). In October 1965 I went into the Marines. After that Eddie Bayers took my place. Playing with Gene and the guys was the most fun I have ever had. I still have my set of Rogers blue onyx drums. Eddie used them for several years after I left. I just can't seem let go of the memories attached to them. We played all over the Nashville area, Vandy, Don's Den, Pirates Cove, other high schools, once in a while on Jefferson Street and at Fort Campbell. Gene was the driving musical force in the group. Back then he played a Farfisi compact. He was a natural who could play anything he heard or chose to. We stuck to a playlist of soul music, hits by James Brown, Joe Tex, Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding, to name a few. We practiced a lot over at Gene's old house on McGavock Pike in Donelson where Mr. and Mrs. Golden treated us like their own. What great people! It's easy to see where Gene got his good qualities. He was such a fun, easy going guy but when it came to music he could be very serious and always professional. Frankie was around back then and Kaye sometimes stopped in when we were practicing. It was just a very special time in my life that I have always treasured. And, Gene was at the center of it all. Laughing, singing, playing, joking around and being the cool guy that he was. I last spoke with him on the phone about six years ago. Reconnecting with was easy. We shared a lot of good memories. I am so very sad to learn of his passing. My heart is aching and my sincere sympathies go out to his family. He was a very special man who will be sorely missed. I live in Colorado now but tomorrow my heart will be with Gene as he is laid to rest. Next stop heaven where he'll have the angels singing and playing sweet soul music!! God bless, Box     

Gene and I grew up together and in the 7th grade started practicing our music at Mr. and Mrs. Golden's house.  Gene on piano and me on drums playing all the James Brown and Wilson Pickett songs we knew.  That's where the great musical journey's took life and continued until Gene's passing.  He was my childhood friend and great, great musician and I know he will be leading the band in Heaven.

My strongest memories of Uncle Gene are from Sunday's at Nanna's. We would all eat fried chicken and the adults would stand and talk- Uncle Gene and Mom standing in the same exact stance, talking. I can so clearly hear his voice. Then there was always his music. Mom had so many stories of his genius. My love and heart go out to Nysha and her family. You will be missed Uncle Gene. I am sure you are singing harmony with the angels and making beautiful music in heaven. Rest in Peace

Nysha,

Sam and I were so sorry to hear about your Dad passing away.  We felt very blessed to have known your family and have you all as neighbors.  Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

Love,

Sam & Brenda Burke

So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing Gene when he traveled with my brother, Kenny Roger's band. He was always so nice to me . I know he is in Heaven with my brother. He will be missed.

The year was 1957. I was 8 you were 9, it was that summer that a lifelong friendship was born. Not only did I find you, but I found your entire family. You and Frank, both were like brothers to me. We grew together from children to men, the fun and mischief we had will never be lost in my heart. When we lost Frank, we both suffered the pain, now I have lost you and I am again feeling the pain. You may be gone, but I will never forget all we went though. I hope to see you again someday and once again marvel at your incredible musical talent. Until we meet again rest in peace my brother. 

Daddy there are so many memories that I have of you that it is hard to pick just one. I think the one that stands out the most to me is my Wedding Day and the song that you wrote and sang and we played at the reception for our Father Daughter Dance. That was such a special moment for me and I am going to play that song in remembrance of you at your Celebration of Life. I love you more than you know and I promise that your memory will be kept alive n our home and forever in our hearts!! I know that you and Mother are up in heaven celebrating right now and I am so glad that you are no longer in pain. I love you!!

Gene there are so many wonderful memories it is hard to pick one. But the musical memories always stand out. Our collaboration on so many things in particular. You will be so missed

My favorite memory of Uncle Gene is him carefully putting me on his motorcycle in front of him and riding me around Nana’s backyard at Sunday suppers. He was my first positive male role model and I am so grateful we have had him and Nysha and Aunt Manone in our lives. Much love- Laura and Gary

OBITUARY

Eugene M. Golden

November 14, 1948 – April 24, 2021

Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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