EUGENE EXUM
Dec. 14, 1937-Dec. 16, 2013
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Eugene Exum was born Dec. 14, 1937, in Goldsboro, N.C., to the late Leroy and Ola Mae Exum. He was the firstborn of five children.
His sister, Delores, and brother, William, preceded him in death.
Eugene departed this earthly life Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at the age of 76.
"Gene," as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, attended Pikeville Training School, and furthered his education at North Carolina A&T State University.
Gene accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. In 1999, he received the right hand of fellowship, and became a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
In 1957, Gene and Thelma moved to Philadelphia, where he began his employment with Indoor Metal Co. He later became employed by Jackson Construction Co. as a heavy equipment operator, where he retired at the age of 72.
Feb. 11, 1957, Gene was united in marriage to the love of his life, Thelma. From this union, they were blessed with two sons and two lovely daughters.
Gene's favorite pastimes were watching horse racing and going to the casino.
Gene was a man with strong family values. He instilled the same values in his children and grandchildren as well. He taught his boys how to be gentlemen, how to provide for their families and how to use their hands -- from rebuilding engines to making home repairs.
He loved spending time with all of his grandchildren and making homemade ice cream for all to enjoy. He always made sure that no one was hungry saying, "All right, you better take something with you or you better go downstairs and get some of those sodas."
Left to cherish memories of his life are his wife of 56 years, Thelma S. Exum; two daughters, LaVerne Exum-French (Gary) of Philadelphia and Theresa D. Exum of Philadelphia; two sons, Ronald Exum (Paulette) of Durham, N.C., and Emery A. Exum (Sabrina) of Durham, N.C.; three sisters, Cynthia E. Kelly (Milas) of Goldsboro, N.C., Sylvia McEachin (Robert) of Richmond, Va., and Evelyn Knight of Laurel, Md., a sister-in-law, Hazel Exum of Richmond, Va.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; prayer partner, Henrietta Jefferson; longtime friend, Charles Seawright; "special daughter and son," Cashe and Deborah Featherson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on December 27, 2013 1:48 PM