He graduated from North Little Rock High School and then attended Henderson State University on a football scholarship where he played until he injured his knee.

He met Frances Harrell while they were both employed at American National Bank in North Little Rock. They married in 1961. He was a member of the United States Army Reserve from 1957-1963.

Gene went to work for the North Little Rock Fire Department on October 16,1965. In 1970, Gene and Frances made the decision to move to the country. He continued to make the long drive to the North Little Rock Fire Department and would then work on the farm on his off days. They both worked hard to build the farm in Harrell( Summerville) and were awarded Farm Family of the Year in 1989. Frances's parents, Fay and Doshia Harrell taught him so much about farm life and they loved him like a son.

He was a member of the United States Army Reserve from 1957 to 1963.He graduated from Garland County Community College May 17,1991 with an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection degree. He retired as a Captain of the North Little Rock Fire Department February 12, 1993 after serving over 27 years.

He was an active member of the Arkansas Cattleman's Association Co-Op, a Director on the Bradley County Farmer's Association Board. He also served as a Director on the Generations Bank Board from 1978-2020.

In July 2007 they moved to Spearsville, LA to be near his daughter, grandson, and great-grandson. It was not easy to see what the years have taken from their farm, but time goes on and everything changes. He enjoyed his new life and new friends. Yet there is nowhere like leaving a place where there are so many memories, so they maintained dual residences and would go there and spend time as often as they could.

He loved his family and enjoyed time spent with friends, time at the deer camp, sports, golfing, fishing, hunting, anything outdoors, especially cows. He was kind and most importantly, he loved the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife, Frances, a daughter, Gina (David), a grandson, Robert, a great-grandson, Russell, nieces and nephews.

Since there is no need for flowers, his family would be honored by a donation to your favorite charity in his memory.