Uncle Gene,

Your passing has been a complete shock to us all. I know you wouldn’t want us fussing and crying about it, but rather reminiscing, laughing and smiling on the good times. So although you are not physically here, I’m writing to you because I know you ARE here with us and you are listening.

First and foremost, you were the BEST Uncle any kid could ever have. You were fun, attentive, loving, caring, and an incredible role model. Every time you called and I answered the phone, you would say ‘Doll BABY, it’s Uncle Gene!’. Your voice and joyful spirit always made me happy. I can still hear you say “Yum Yum Eat ‘em up” and I can still feel the heat of embarrassment in my cheeks as you made your elephant/buffalo call at the fat ladies which was actually pretty funny. I loved when you came over and scooped me up and played ‘helicopter’ holding me up and making sound effects as we attacked the boys.

Thank you for the go-cart you gave us for Christmas when we lived in Illinois. There wasn’t a whole lot to do out there, so we definitely enjoyed it. One of the most memorable gifts from you was a huge box that I opened to find another smaller box, and then another, and another, and then another, until I got to the smallest box that fit in my hand and opened it to find a beautiful rose gold ring that I have cherished ever since and am wearing it today. Nora adores the way you gave it to me so I’ll pass it along to her as I’m sure you won’t mind.

Thanks for helping mom out when we were on our own in Virginia Beach with dad not around. You filled the father figure role for us when we needed it. I remember I even wanted to start making bad grades like the boys since you offered them $100 for every A on their next report cards. That was pretty cool.

On my 15th birthday, you wanted to take me on my first date to teach me how a man should treat a lady. You had me wait in the car so you could open the door for me. You held the chair as I sat down at the table. You walked me through all the proper manners and made sure that I should be respected and not accept anything less when I was to begin dating. I never forgot that.

Thank you for walking me down the aisle on one of the most important days of my life. Brandon is a good one so maybe your guidance on our first date actually worked.

Every Thanksgiving, your passion for Creationism and God was on full display. Your memorable prayers before dinner and your animated conversations about amoebas, woodpeckers, and disproving evolutionist’s theories were always so mind blowing. I loved that gleam in your eyes and the smirk you had after one of those mic drop moments.

Thank you for always being my doctor on speed dial. You helped calm my worries when any of us were sick. Thank you for being you Uncle Gene. I’m going to miss you. I love you.