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A celebration of life service for Deacon Eugene Dorns will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Cathedral, 3401 Bishop Eddie Newkirk Way, Tampa, Florida, Senior Pastor Dwight Newkirk, Officiating with Assistant Pastor Tony Parker, Eulogist. A public viewing will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home, 3000 N. 29th Street, Tampa, Florida 33605. Eugene Dorns was born on February 11, 1943, in Albany, Georgia to Janie Dorns Harris. He attended public schools in Albany, Georgia, where he spent his early years.In 1961, Eugene relocated to White Plains, New York, where he began a long and dedicated career. He worked for over 54 years as a golf caddy and later in maintenance for the State of New York. His strong work ethic and commitment were evident throughout his career until his retirement in 2009. While in White Plains, NY, Eugene accepted Jesus as his Lord and personal Savior at Calvary Baptist Church. In 2014, Eugene moved to Tampa, Florida to be closer to his family. He was a faithful member of St. John Cathedral Church, where he served as an Usher and was Ordained as a Deacon in 2019. He was faithful in attending church, until his health began to decline. Eugene devoted time each day to study God’s Word and to listen to gospel music to strengthen his faith as he developed a deeper walk with God.Eugene had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for bringing joy to those around him. He loved the game of golf and enjoyed watching the news to keep abreast of global events. Also, Eugene had an insatiable curiosity for military history. He was preceded in death by his mother, Janie D. Harris; grandmother, Cora Dorns; sister, Janie R. Harris; uncles, Von H. Coleman, Allen Dorns Jr., and Paul Crawford; aunts, Lizzie Harris, Gussie Bunts and Lula Coleman.He leaves to cherish memories of him with his loving and devoted wife, Rachel F. Dorns; bonus daughters, Rochelle Griffin (David), Whitney Black and Shanae; bonus goddaughter, Ocea Wynn; sister, Melba Bush (David); niece, Valdine Hall and family; nephew, Brian Haley; special cousins, Della Miles, Don A. Dorns (Carmen), Ronald Coleman (Juanita), Sabrena Collins (Owen), Michael Coleman, Johnnie M. Lane and family, Susan Staten and family, Thelma Nelson and family, B.J. Curry and family, Lillie Carter and family, Agnes Judge and family, Pamela and family, Janie Adams (Harold), Vanessa and family, Janie Noid and family; special friends, Deacon Johnnie HiSmith, Deacon Robert Davis and Simon Jackson of White Plains, NY; a host of other loving family members, friends and church members."A Wilson Service"

Deacon Eugene Dorns

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