He joined the Marines for a short while then went on to join the Navy from 1955 to 1983 when he retired and then worked with a few different Government contractors before retiring for good. He held a 32nd degree in Freemasonry, specifically within the Scottish Rite and served 55 years with them.
He grew up in Bristol, Tennessee. On November 3, 1956, Gene married Melton Earlene Perry and they were married for 67 years. Together they raised 4 children, Victor, Tammy, Mike and Timmy. They had 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was known to us all as Papa Gene or Pop. He loved fishing and spending every moment with the love of his life.
His smile is what everyone will always remember!
Graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Albert G. Horton Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road in Suffolk, Virginia.
