Born August 8, 1930 in Mentone, Alabama, Gene was raised in the Chattanooga, TN area where he was affectionately known as “Sonny”. After joining the Naval Reserves, he was called to active duty 1951 to 1953 to serve on a destroyer off the coast of Korea during the Korean war. He then attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
In 1960, Orlando became Gene’s permanent home, moving there to work in Aerospace at Martin Marietta Corporation. He worked in many different fields in various roles, eventually taking on his most challenging position as a program planning manager. He always said the best thing that happened to him there was meeting his wife, Ann. They married September 1, 1962.
After 30 years of service, Gene retired from Martin Marietta and enjoyed spending time in the mountains of North Carolina, working on projects around the house, wood carving and working in the yard. He had many interests, but what was most important in his life was his family. He showed them unconditional love and was happiest when he was surrounded by them. He was always very proud of his children and grandchildren and devoted over 56 years of his life to his wife, Ann.
Preceded in death by his son Wade, Gene was a loving husband, a caring and nurturing father and grandfather who will be greatly missed by his wife Ann, daughter Kim Olson and her husband Rod, daughter-in-law Susan Smith, and three granddaughters: Grace Olson, Rebecca Olson, Shelby Melfi and her husband Dave.
Services to be held Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill
2420 Harrell Rd. Orlando, Florida 32817, 407-671-3919.
Visitation: 1-2 PM
Funeral Services: 2 PM.
Committal Service immediately following at Chapel Hill Cemetery.
Reception 3-5 PM at the funeral home
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
