Eugene Thomas McCormick Jr.

EuGene Thomas McCormick II Jr. peacefully passed away in his sleep on December 12, 2022 after a brief bout with cancer. “Gene,” as his family and friends called him, was born on December 9, 1949, to Eugene Thomas McCormick Sr. and Willie Lee Hawkins in Daytona Beach Florida. He was the eldest of his three siblings that included sister Mary Jo Drayton, and brother John Hawkins.

Gene demonstrated tremendous musical talent at an early age learning music from his father, Eugene Thomas McCormick Sr., affectionately known as “Jew Boy,” as he performed in local clubs and on the Chitlin Circuit with Ray Charles. He was adept at several instruments with the Saxophone and Piano being his favorite choices. He was a prolific singer, song writer, and producer as well, with credits on several albums.

In his early years, Gene also displayed an aptitude for academics. As such, he was one of two black students to integrate Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, FL shortly after the passing of the civil rights act of 1964 and following the Brown vs Board of Education decision of 1954. His love of music and his family associations with Bethune-Cookman College (now University) later brought Gene there, where he continued his studies and became a prominent member of the “Marching Men of Cookman” as head drum major. He would also become a featured singer with “Black Velvet,” a popular Temptations style singing group at the University.

Gene traveled and lived a full life; giving the world his best as a Musician, Therapist, Husband, and Father. Gene’s musical accolades include a recording contract with Columbia records with his band “Jam Factory” which appeared on a “Today Show” special in 1969 (YouTube, link) and was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame on March 4, 2016 (src: link). Gene would later become a founding member of the popular R&B band Fusion which appeared on “Midnight Special,” an 1980s version of “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice.” During his musical journey, Gene became a resident of Monmouth County, NJ where he became a key member and contributor to the bands Jersey Blue and the Jazz Lobsters. In 1989, he released his first solo album entitled “This Time” under Malikah Records which he wrote, produced, edited, and performed. Throughout his career, Gene toured or worked with world renowned talent including the likes of Miles Davis, Lionel Richie, Benard Purdy and others.

As an academic and educator, Gene’s accolades include earning a bachelor's degree from Bethune-Cookman University, and a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University with doctoral credits achieved. He served as a teacher and band director for Volusia and Duval county public schools and as Assistant Director of Bands at his alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University. He loved his university and was a charter member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity. He was also a member of the greek fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi. Honoring his alma mater’s motto “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” Gene continued to demonstrate his commitment to service as an active member of the Prince Hall Masons, Shriners, and Scottish Right where he held the position of Grand Basileus in Vermont. After founding the company CynerGen with his late wife Cynthia, he continued to deliver music, service, and performance to the greater Newport, Vermont area through the annual Newport Jazz Festival which he co-founded with his wife in partnership with city leadership.

Gene was outgoing and loved life. His passion not only included music, but also skiing and sailing on lake Memphremagog in Newport, Vermont. His personality was infectious and it was important that Gene made a connection with everyone he engaged with. He had a great sense of humor and could shift seamlessly between eloquent high society or “down home” discussions with the best. As a friend, Gene was a counselor and encourager, always offering tough, fair, but kind words to his clients and mentees; a listening ear or professional support to help each person reach their potential. Gene is known best through his deeds, his music, his relationships, his impressions, and the smiles that are everlasting on each soul he touched spiritually.

Gene is survived by his children (in chronological order from the eldest) Paul Hagins, Ernest (Nes) Snell, Raheem McCormick, Malikah Morgan, and Benuamen Johnson-McCormick. His reach is global, his love overwhelming, and his legacy, everlasting. He has gone to glory welcomed by his late wife Cynthia, his sister Mary Jo, and his mother Willie Lee.

As Eugene Thomas McCormick enters the gates of heaven, he leaves behind an enduring legacy for all to admire. Well done thy good and faithful servant, well done.

A gathering of family and friends for Eugene will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075, followed by a celebration of life memorial service at 2:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garylkaufmanfuneralhome.com for the McCormick family.