Ralph, fondly known as Gene, was born on December 24, 1940 in Covington, Kentucky. Gene’s fondest childhood memory was of rabbit hunting with his father and his pet beagle named Tommy. As a teen, Gene kept busy mowing yards, shoveling snow, caddying at a local golf course, and other odd jobs. He played softball in church leagues, enjoyed playing basketball, and was on the football team in high school. He was elected Homeroom president each year from ninth through twelfth grade. He met his high school sweetheart in the tenth grade (Sandy Jennings) and married her after graduation.
Gene was a Vietnam Era Navy veteran and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. (Post 6095 in Latonia, KY). He became a Kentucky Colonel in 1982, He was also a member of Covington Lodge #109 and the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple in Covington, Kentucky.
He was a draftsman for American Laundry Machinery Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio for many years, then became a Real Estate Agent and Broker. He then became owner and operator of Reliable Cleaners Laundromat in Latonia, Kentucky until he retired. Gene moved to Tamarac by the Gulf in Seminole, Florida where he returned to Real Estate part-time. He then met and married Alice Beasor. Gene was an active member and volunteer in the Tamarac community for over twenty years.
Gene loved fishing, bowling, and golfing in his leisure time and even made a hole-in-one. His most rewarding achievement was of being a Stephen Minister at his church.
Gene is survived by his daughter, Debby Wigginton, and her husband Wendall Wigginton, and his granddaughter, Renee Hendrix, and two great-grandsons, Eric and Levi Hendrix. Gene was predeceased by his parents Vivian and Ralph.
Gene’s family will host a memorial service with veteran’s honors rendered by the American Legion 16th District Honor Guard on November 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The service will be at Oakhurst United Methodist Church at 13400 Park Blvd., Seminole, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to https://neighborly.org which is Pinellas County Meals on Wheels or Suncoast Hospice Care in Gene’s name.
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