Eugene Paul Beery Jr., age 85, passed peacefully on July 25, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, with his  daughters, Laura and Donna, by his side.

Gene was born August 25, 1936 in Savannah, to Eugene Paul Beery Sr. and Caroline Anita Yates, both of Savannah. Born at St. Joseph’s Hospital, he was the oldest of four children.  Preceding him in death were his brothers, Andrew Paul Beery II and Edward Yates Beery.  He is survived by his sister, Caroline I. Beery Hackle, his daughters, Laura J. Beery Goldade (Larry) of Portland, Oregon, and Donna L. Beery Markward (James) of Savannah; seven wonderful grandchildren: Chancey Goldade (Starla), Ansley Goldade Wilhelm (Tyler), Madison Goldade, Brigdon Markward (Brooke Levy), Elise Markward (Alec Davey), Jacob Markward and Avery Markward; three adorable great-grandchildren: Sawyer Goldade, Griffin Wilhelm, and Nell Wilhelm, plus many nephews, nieces, friends and extended family whom he loved very much.

Sunday, July 24, 2022 marked the 64th wedding anniversary of Gene and the love of his life, Myrtie Lorraine DeLettre Beery who passed one year ago on August 30, 2021.

A devout Christian, devoted husband, father and a true friend was seen in how he lived his life every day. He was smart, honest, hard-working, full of integrity and had a quick wit!  His faith and family meant everything to him. He lived by the example of “do what is right and all else will work out”. He was a man of his word.

Gifted as a natural athlete, Gene loved sports. He loved playing football for Coach M. A. Spellman and was a captain his senior year at Commercial High School. He also boxed and played baseball, but his real love was playing golf. He was a pretty good scratch golfer. There is a dedicated corner wall with his trophies at his daughter’s house and the favorite is the 1993 Turkey Day Classic trophy (which is the back end of a four legged animal :). He walked many miles at Mary Calder and any other golf course he could play.  He also loved boating, being out on the water and fishing.

Gene served his country with honor by serving in the U.S. Navy.  He joined the Naval Reserve while still in high school in 1954. After graduating, he was called to active duty and served until October 1957. He absolutely loved the time he spent serving in the Navy, mostly in the beautiful Caribbean. A good portion of that time, Andy, his brother, was serving on the same ship.  His belief “in stand and be counted” was evident in how he lived his life.

A strong Christian and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Gene served as ward clerk, Sunday school president, …  and especially enjoyed working with the youth along with his wife, Lorraine.

Gene felt very fortunate to have such great friends in his life; some he had known all his life, some from working for many years at Union Camp, wonderful neighbors, friends from church and he loved meeting with his Cobra Club buddies as often as he could.

The family extends much gratitude and a special thank you to all those who have enriched his life and therefore have been a part of our family’s sweet story. Gene was always filled with gratitude and an appreciation for life. He will be greatly missed.

Please join us in a celebration of his life as we welcome family and friends for visitation on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM followed by a memorial service at 12:00 noon at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah.  A short burial service will be held at Bonaventure Cemetery at 1:30 PM.