Gene St.Clair, 88, of Pinehurst, died Saturday, March 24, 2012, after a brief illness.
A funeral was held Tuesday, March 27.
Gene was born in Morgantown, W.Va., where he still has many friends. Following his graduation from Morgantown High School, he enrolled at West Virginia University. His education was interrupted for two years while he served in the Army during World War II.
Upon returning home, Gene completed his undergraduate degree in business administration at West Virginia University, during which time he met, courted and married Gwendolyn Mitchell, his wife of almost 65 years. At West Virginia University, he was an active member of the Phi Psi fraternity, an organization for which he had eternal loyalty.
Shortly thereafter, Gene moved with his new bride to Charleston, W.Va., where they raised a family and developed many lifelong friendships. Gene proved to be a shrewd businessman and in due course became a successful automobile dealer and leader in the business community.
Following retirement, he and his wife moved to Florida, where they spent their early retirement years. They later moved to Pinehurst to be closer to family. In Pinehurst, Gene and his wife cultivated many new friendships and played golf with their network of Pinehurst pals.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen; two children, E. William (Bill) St.Clair, of Durham, and Susan Coleman, of Mount Pleasant; four grandchildren, Rebecca Harris and Sarah St.Clair, of Raleigh, and Jennifer Smith and Brian Coleman, of Concord; and three great-grandchildren, Cole and Brooke Harris, of Raleigh, and Jamison Smith, of Concord.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Foundation of FirstHealth, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28387; or the Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center, 512 South Mangum St., suite 400, Durham, NC 27701. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. of Pinehurst is assisting the family.