1927
Gene
2008
Gene Reich
June 16, 1927 — October 6, 2008
Gene Reich entered into his heavenly home on October 6, 2008 at the age of 81.
Gene was born in Double Springs, Alabama on June 16, 1927 to Curtis and Rilla Reich.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Troyce Reich, Chuck Reich, and Clyde Reich; a sister, Sereda Bazzell; and a grandson, Eric Lee Overbay, who was the love of his life, whom he coached as his best pitcher in baseball for many years.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Vera (Cunningham) Reich; two daughters, Cheryl Pitalo and her husband, Wayne, and Dara Buckalew and her husband, Danny; and a son, Mark Reich, and his wife, Terri, all of Mississippi; six grandsons, Jeremy Greenfield, Jacob Greenfield, Einn Overbay, Ryan Reich and his wife, Madison, Ross Reich and Kayla, and Riley Reich; one granddaughter, Haley Reich; two great granddaughters, Hannah Greenfield and Aubrey Grace Reich; one great grandson, Noah Reich; his sister, Joyce Payne of Akron, AL; his brother, Rocky Reich, and his wife, Jo Anne, of Florence, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He served in World War II in the U.S. Navy after volunteering at the young age of 17. He was on a LST Navy ship. After the war, he received his higher education at the University of Auburn, University of Alabama, and the University of California.
He worked for the United States government as a management specialist for 44 years and retired after the Gulf War in 1991.
Gene loved all sports and excelled in golf, bowling, and every sport, but he most enjoyed coaching and organizing boys and girls baseball. He organized the Dixie Youth Baseball League in Saraland, AL, serving as President and coach for eleven (11) years. He continued to coach after his job transfer to Gulfport, MS. For many years, he helped young boys and girls play ball and be successful, which was the only reward he expected. His philosophy toward youth and future citizens was: """"Building character in the youth of the community is building a strong nation in future years.""""
Gene was a Christian and loved the people at Bel-Aire Baptist Church where he was baptized by Rev Lowery Anderson. He attended Sunday School and worship services.
Memorials may be given to: Bel-Aire Baptist Church Building Fund, 15080 Dedeaux Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport where friends may call from Noon until service time. Burial will follow at Finley Cemetery.
An online obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.riemannfamily.com.
Gene was born in Double Springs, Alabama on June 16, 1927 to Curtis and Rilla Reich.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Troyce Reich, Chuck Reich, and Clyde Reich; a sister, Sereda Bazzell; and a grandson, Eric Lee Overbay, who was the love of his life, whom he coached as his best pitcher in baseball for many years.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Vera (Cunningham) Reich; two daughters, Cheryl Pitalo and her husband, Wayne, and Dara Buckalew and her husband, Danny; and a son, Mark Reich, and his wife, Terri, all of Mississippi; six grandsons, Jeremy Greenfield, Jacob Greenfield, Einn Overbay, Ryan Reich and his wife, Madison, Ross Reich and Kayla, and Riley Reich; one granddaughter, Haley Reich; two great granddaughters, Hannah Greenfield and Aubrey Grace Reich; one great grandson, Noah Reich; his sister, Joyce Payne of Akron, AL; his brother, Rocky Reich, and his wife, Jo Anne, of Florence, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He served in World War II in the U.S. Navy after volunteering at the young age of 17. He was on a LST Navy ship. After the war, he received his higher education at the University of Auburn, University of Alabama, and the University of California.
He worked for the United States government as a management specialist for 44 years and retired after the Gulf War in 1991.
Gene loved all sports and excelled in golf, bowling, and every sport, but he most enjoyed coaching and organizing boys and girls baseball. He organized the Dixie Youth Baseball League in Saraland, AL, serving as President and coach for eleven (11) years. He continued to coach after his job transfer to Gulfport, MS. For many years, he helped young boys and girls play ball and be successful, which was the only reward he expected. His philosophy toward youth and future citizens was: """"Building character in the youth of the community is building a strong nation in future years.""""
Gene was a Christian and loved the people at Bel-Aire Baptist Church where he was baptized by Rev Lowery Anderson. He attended Sunday School and worship services.
Memorials may be given to: Bel-Aire Baptist Church Building Fund, 15080 Dedeaux Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport where friends may call from Noon until service time. Burial will follow at Finley Cemetery.
An online obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.riemannfamily.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gene Reich, please visit our flower store.
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