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Gene A. Morse

FUNERAL HOME

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home - Jacksonville

11801 San Jose Blvd

Jacksonville, Florida

Gene Morse Obituary

Gene A. Morse, 70, of St. Augustine, Fla., passed away Aug. 23, 2011, at the Bailey Family Center for Caring.

He was born June 9, 1941, in Weymouth, Mass.

Gene spent more than 30 years of his career in Atlanta, Ga., in information technology as a software systems consultant. He retired to St. Augustine in 2006.

His calling was always to serve others, and he earned the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce distinction of Ambassador of the Year Award 2009-10 for his dedication and contribution to the community.

Gene was deacon of the Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Augustine. Up until recent weeks, he also enjoyed volunteering at the Council on Aging in their Care Connection outreach program.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Beverly Hurd Morse; brother, Richard E. Morse (Marcia), of Jacksonville; sons, Terry T. Morse (Patty) of Atlanta, Ga., and Tim G. Morse (Melee) of Stoneville, N.C.; and grandchildren, Trevor and Tanner Morse, and Cory and Cameron Lewis.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011, in Hardage Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin with the Rt. Rev. Ian D. Anderson officiating.

Gene"s greatest wish was to build a new sanctuary and columbarium for his church. Memorial donations may be made to the Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church Building Fund, 163 Palencia Village Drive, Suite 104, St. Augustine, FL 32095.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223, www.hgmandarin.com, (904) 288-0025.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Augustine Record on Aug. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Gene Morse

24 Entries

Mirtha Barzaga

August 31, 2011

It was my preasure to have known Gene, and it makes me sad to see such a great person leave us, but i believe he is in heaven watching over Beverly and his family.
We'll see you again

Gene with Sons Terry & Tim

Beverly Morse

August 29, 2011

Gene, Son-Tim & Wife Melee

Beverly Morse

August 29, 2011

Gene

Beverly Morse

August 29, 2011

Gene

Beverly Morse

August 29, 2011

Gene and Beverly

Beverly Morse

August 29, 2011

Beverly Morse

August 29, 2011

Connie Mista

August 29, 2011

Beverly,
I am so sad and heartbroken to hear about Gene. I just found out yesterday or you would have heard from me sooner. He was an awesome and loving person. I am blessed to have known him. May God bless you and carry you through this difficult time. Please let me know if you need anything. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sarah Phillips

August 28, 2011

My thoughts are with the family.
Phil 4:13

Gene and Beverly

Terry Morse

August 27, 2011

Gene and Son-Terry

Terry Morse

August 27, 2011

Gene and Sons - Terry/Tim

Terry Morse

August 27, 2011

Gene, Father-Mel, & Sons-Terry & Tim

Terry Morse

August 27, 2011

Three generations (Gene, Son-Terry, & Father - Mel)

Terry Morse

August 27, 2011

Terry Morse

August 27, 2011

In memory of my father, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for all of the kind words everyone has expressed during these past few days. In losing a parent the emotions certainly run deep, though I would like to share some of my fond memories that made the man… my Dad.

Early in childhood, while living in Jax. Beach, my father taught my brother and me the value of a penny saved is a penny earned. These words of wisdom were easily learned while beachcombing for “penny-shells” along the coastline (though seasonal and generally discovered during the months of fall). Penny-shells, (quite possibly now an extinct species) were amazingly found just at the water’s edge. With a little patience, along with much enthusiasm, my brother and I would race around (while my farther walked ahead – stalking/scanning for the most opportune shell to reap rewards) turning over seashells for the cherished penny. You can imagine our astonishment, a bright copper treasure simply extracted from the underbelly of this precious/coveted shell. And to ensure the safe keeping of our riches, Dad would take those valued coins and guard them in his pockets… then off again he walks - combing for another opportunity to instill those precious moments of a child’s excitement echoing over the breakwaters. Today, and when I have the opportunity, I’ll occasionally kick over a shell in simple reflection of those days. Thanks Dad… what a great memory!

Growing up in and around water, Dad also taught us the value of safety. However, those lessons where usually derived though actual hands-on experiences (those impromptu moments when quick thinking/action diverts an embarrassing occurrence). For instance, always ensure the drain-plug is properly installed prior to leaving the docks as opposed to jetting down the canal and to later discover water collecting in the stern. Or, while someone is standing on the bow hoisting the anchor rapid forward motion is frowned upon until everyone is properly seated (upon their own accord as opposed to those forces of Newton’s law of motion – an equal and opposite reaction). Or, while casting a shrimp net in the dark of night, make sure all valuables (lanterns, buckets, etc.) are well outside the radius of your windup to safeguard multiple entrances into the water for recovery/rescue. And always have a fishing pole handy – you never know when the fish are biting – but make certain that your children know the proper hook removal technique before catching a fish, on the other side of the lake and having to paddle back across – trailing the catch of the day – in search of assistance. These are simply a few examples that, even up to the past couple of months, we reflected upon and shared in some laughter. Thanks Dad… these experiences will continue to echo the sounds of laughter.

My father also taught me the value of being able to find humor within yourself, even during trying times. While recently visiting my Dad, and in his enthusiasm of showing me his most recent accomplishments, we were walking out of his office (as he maneuvered his walker through the door frame) and I heard him say, “uh-oh” and as I turned I noticed his shorts had inadvertently slipped from his waist. And within the blink of an eye (and his quick wit) he launches into the chorus, “pants on the ground, pants on the ground, looking like a fool with my pants on the ground.” Though I don’t believe the occurrence in itself to be comical, I must admit his quick response (and humor) leads me into laughter every time I think about it. What a character.
Thanks Dad… for showing me it’s OK to find humor during troubling times.

And to close, my last and fondest memory (one that I will always cherish for the duration of my life) and truly my last interaction with my father – he was so happy to share with me in his achievement of becoming a Deacon, in his church, that I decided to attend Sunday service prior to heading back to Atlanta – that during Communion I was blessed to receive the offering administered by my Dad.
Thanks Dad… I will always be proud of you and will hold your memory close to my heart.

Gary Hiatt

August 27, 2011

Beverly,

As you know, I met Gene almost 3 years ago when I recruited him to join the Chamber. We became good friends immediately and grew even closer this past year. He was always nonchalant, soft spoken, calm and able to express much in very few words. He was a kind, gentle and giving man. He cherished becoming a Deacon with his church and I was honored to be there when he was ordained. It is quite evident in these postings what he meant to his friends, family and community! I painfully regret not knowing him longer!

My prayers and Susan’s are with you and your family!

Gary Hiatt

Bruce and Laurette

August 26, 2011

Dear Beverly:

Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband, Gene He was such a gentle and kind man. We'll miss his beautiful smile. We are praying that healing will touch your family's heart right now.

Sincerely,
Bruce and Laurette

Terressa Duggan

August 26, 2011

Dear Beverly,
We know these are difficult days and just want you to know we love you and we share in your sorrow. Gene was such a fine man and we are honored to call him a friend. May God comfort you and give you peace. Doug & Terressa Duggan

Donna & Joe Ricciardelli

August 26, 2011

Beverly,
Joe and I were saddened to hear about Gene. While we didn't get to know him, your beautiful love for each other shone in your eyes every time you spoke of him. May the love of those around you and the comfort of God help you through the days ahead.

August 25, 2011

Beverly, In our carnal minds, we cannot fathom what everlasting life looks like. We should be so happy to know Gene is experiencing this. You are at the heart of our prayers.
Love, Pauline and Woody Cake

Robin and Ian Anderson

August 25, 2011

Getting to know Deacon Gene and Beverly has been an honor and a privilege. Gene's humor, warmth, generosity, and genuine concern for the community was a rarity in today's world. He touched so many in such a loving way. We will miss him so very much...as a church Deacon, as a neighbor, but most of all as a friend.

Tony Ricciardelli

August 25, 2011

Beverly, Please know we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Tony & Ricke

Gene at His Ordination to Deacon

Bp, Ian Anderson

August 25, 2011

Deacon Gene was a man of exceptional caring for the wants and needs of others. He was one of my clergyman but he was also my friend and he will be missed. We love Beverly and Robin and I send out condolences to her and the family. Rest eternal grant unto him O Lord and may light perpetual shine upon him.

Corrie Goodwin

August 24, 2011

I was very sad to hear the loss of Gene. Gene was a wonderful man and I greatly enjoyed working with him at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home. My condolences to his wife and family.

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