By Staff
ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Ollie Gene Beck was born July 18, 1935 and died on Nov. 4, 2008.
He was preceded in death by his parents Rankin and Myrtle and brothers, Steve and twin, Ellis. He is survived by his wife Betty; three children Gina, David and Kevin; son-in-law, Tony and daughters-in-law, Cheryl and Beth. He is also survived by brother, Burton and sisters, Nina and Nila and seven grandchildren, Justin, Cody, Caleb, Jacob, Jennifer, Jessica and Sarah.
Gene was born in Northwest Florida in a small community named Enon. He loved the quiet country life, hunting and fishing when he could. He had a special talent for fixing broken things and was willing to drop everything to help someone in need. He also had a big heart and an even temperament, which earned him the nickname Judge from his grandfather. His dry wit and interest in people made him special. Gene worked for Monsanto for more than 30 years and served in the Air Force for five years.
Gene and Betty moved to Orange Park, Fla., in 2000 to be closer to immediate family as his illness made it impossible for him to maintain the 30-acre farm that they had lived on since 1964. Leaving his siblings and community was difficult and probably the hardest ordeal of all.
Our family wishes to express our gratitude to First Baptist Church and the Sunshine Sunday school class; thank you for all your support. Our family is extremely grateful to the Signature Healthcare nurses and staff for their wonderful care and support over the last few trying years. You have been a blessing to us.
We are going to miss our husband, Daddy and Pawpaw, but for the last few years he slipped quietly away as Alzheimer’s disease stole his wonderful personality and joys. We are going to remember all the good times and hold them dear to our hearts. We are all better people for having known him.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 8462, Chicago, IL 60680-8462.