Gene Kermit Verble

1928 - 2017

Gene Kermit Verble, 89 of Concord, N.C. passed away at Hospice House of Cabarrus County on November 4, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 29,1928 in Concord, N.C., he was the son of the late Ralph Kermit Verble and Maebelle Honeycutt Verble. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Leona Barnhardt Verble; his children Sandy Verble Hagler and husband Darrell, Gene (Skip) K. Verble, Jr. and wife Nancy, and Patti Verble Freeman and husband Doug; grandchildren Angie Hagler, Kristy Dillon, Alan Freeman, Stephen Hartsell, and four great grandchildren. Gene was a graduate of Hartsell High School in 1947.

Verble played professional baseball for 17 years. He was a retired shortstop and second baseman in Major League Baseball. Nicknamed "Satchel", he played for the Washington Senators in the early 1950's.

He began his baseball career in 1945. Much of his 17-season playing and managing career, was spent in the Double-A Southern Association playing for the Atlanta Crackers and Chattanooga Lookouts. He managed in the Washington/Minnesota Twins organization from 1957 through 1961, including a stint at the Triple-A level with the 1961 Syracuse Chiefs. His 1957 Charlotte Hornets team won the Class A Sally League championship and was twice named Manager of the Year during his 5 years with the Hornets.

Verble was inducted into the first group of the Cabarrus County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. He was recognized at the Charlotte Hornets tribute night August, 2014 at BB&T Ballpark. He was also inducted into the Piedmont Historical Baseball Society Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement from baseball, he became owner of Jackson Park Shortstop, which he owned and operated until his retirement. He was affectionately called "The Mayor of Jackson Park" by his customers.

Verble loved and was very active at Rocky Ridge United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees. He twice received the RRUMC Lifetime Laity award. Verble also served as Laity Leader at Rocky Ridge for 15 years.

Gene was an active member of the Concord community. He loved sharing his baseball skills as coach for teams sponsored by Concord Boy's Club. Verble served on the Northeast Medical Center board of directors for ten years, as well as serving on the Cabarrus County School Board. He was also a member of the Lions Club, Jaycees Club, and Optimist Club.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, November 9 at Rocky Ridge United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Tam Wensil. The Family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 in the church Family Life Center after the service.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Rocky Ridge United Methodist Church at 1428 Old Charlotte Rd. SW, Concord, N.C. or Hospice House of Cabarrus County.

On-line condolences may be left at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com

Wilkinson Funeral Home is assisting the Verble family.