He was born December 28, 1938 in Guangzhou, China to Tim “Henry” D. Chong and Lai “Lucy” K. Chong. When he was 17, he escaped communist China through Macau and Hong Kong to come to the United States.
After immigrating in the early 1960s, he joined his father to work as a restaurateur at the House of Chong on Navy Boulevard. The iconic restaurant was always known for its famous cashew chicken and sweet and sour pork. In the mid-late 70s, he opened the popular Gene’s Lounge next to the House of Chong and in the early 80s opened Lake Country Inn restaurant in West Pensacola.
His first marriage was to Eunice Chong followed by a second marriage to Okhui Chong. Gene is survived by four children – Howard Chong (Fiona-wife), Nancy Turner (Mark-husband), Shawn Kerby, and Chris Kerby (Barbara-wife). He is proud grandfather to Aidan, Caitlin, Tyler, Myles, Dylen, Maya, Brandon, Anabelle, Robert, and Walker.
He is predeceased by one brother in China and survived by two sisters in China and California, and has many local nieces and nephews – Wing, Judy, Nong, and Fei.
Friends and family knew him as a sly poker and blackjack player, avid traveler, fisherman, and great cook with a generous and giving heart. He was a great supporter and contributor to the March of Dimes and Hadji Shriners. Known by his nickname, “Mean Gene”, he was truly a jokester, beaver trapper and alligator catcher involved in nefarious unmentionables all while having a preference for Crown straight up.
Coming from humble beginnings in China, whatever Gene set his mind to he would succeed at every endeavor whether business, real estate, or other matters.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 02, 2019 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home.
BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.
