Christmas was always a magical time. Gene had to be the all time best at choosing the most perfect gift. Gene had a unique way of being able to pick out the most special gift. And when you received this gift, you knew that Gene had thought about you when he chose it. And it, and he made you feel so special. It was just his way. I try this day to be mindful of this when trying to select items for others, but I fear that I will never be able to match Gene in this regard.

     I met Gene in the late 1960's at Meridian Junior College. I liked him immediately, partly because of his uniqueness. He was an interesting conversationalist and always a fountain of information on virtually any subject.  He was very private and floored me one day when I came into the student paper office and he was burning something in a small metal container. When I questioned him, he said it was old pictures the paper had that he was in and he didn't like old pictures! I told him not to do that, and he never did again, or he did such a good job that I never caught on to what he was doing! I think my Daddy reminded him of his, and he was always interested in what my Dad was doing. I talked to him on the phone when I was moving in the early 1980's, after I got out of the Army. I intended to come over and visit (I was living in Mississippi by then), but in the move I lost his address, and was never able to contact him again. I thought when I retired I would find him again, but he had passed before I retired. Gene was one unique and extraordinarily interesting person. Glad to know from these comments that his later life was filled with love.

The first time I met Gene, I knew that he was a person that I would enjoy being around. I enjoyed the many times that Gene and Carolyn would attend my birthday parties and other family and friend gatherings, which involved a lot of food and spirits. Gene, would often say " don't invite him if I did not want him to come" because he would show up. My family enjoyed talking and laughing with Gene. You will always be a part of my family.  

Raymond 

Since I first met Gene when I was only 5 years old,  he was always part of my family....when you would see Gene you knew that fun was on the way!!!   He was always up for a new challenge, and wanted all to participate:)  My memories of you will always include: the numerous cookouts and fish fries we enjoyed, memorable Holidays together, and your love for life with my sister and your furry family members:))))   Gene you are truly missed, and will never be forgotten.