Lloyd "Gene" Booth

1937 - 2024

Lloyd "Gene" Booth

January 5, 1937 - August 25, 2024

Auburn, Alabama - Lloyd ("Gene") Eugene Booth, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday surrounded by his loved ones. Gene was born on January 5, 1937 in Prattville, Alabama to Lloyd I. Booth and his mother, Myrtle Lee (McRae) Booth. He attended Jordan High School in Columbus, Georgia. He graduated from Auburn University in 1963 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was in the Kappa Alpha Order. He also participated (probably organized) many antics at Auburn, including leading a cow to the top of the tower in Samford Hall. In his late 60s, he began coursework for his Master's in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University which he completed a few years later.

Gene served in the Army National Guard and later was called up during the civil rights era to serve in the Alabama National Guard to protect schools during integration.

Gene's career took him to many different places. The first half centered around the construction industry on projects in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. In the 90s he moved to Texas where he began his second career in the oil & gas industry. He travelled Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas during this time. He was in many civic and industry groups, and he served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Gas Association. After retiring, Gene started a consulting company where he developed a system to map and to mark pipeline valves and connections with GPS markers. He surprised his friends when (in his early 70s) he called from places like Pakistan and Egypt. Gene was full of surprises and always had a story for his friends.

Gene loved Texas. Just like anywhere you could find Gene, he was "all in" and became a true Texan. He ate all things spicy, drank all things with tequila, and embraced the Texas lifestyle. In his 60s, he surprised everyone by getting a cutting horse and competing in team roping events.

Gene was an accomplished pilot for much of his life. He was also an avid shooter, and he loved hunting waterfowl, dove, and pheasant. He was a pistol, rifle and shotgun instructor, and he wrote a number of shooting manuals. He also trained many award winning field trial labrador retrievers.

Most of all, Gene loved people. If you met Gene, you knew instantly that you had a friend for life. He would learn everything about everyone and would show genuine interest in their lives. Gene kept up with his friends and always remembered the most minute of details about their goings on. From Texas to Georgia, Gene left behind a multitude of friends, "cousins," and "youngins" that he loved and who loved him.

Gene moved back to Auburn in 2020. He loved the Auburn Veterinary School (especially the AU Veterinary Clinic) and he funded an annual scholarship for a deserving student. He enjoyed helping the school in any way he could. He appreciated the kindness of those at the clinic and the school who cared for his beloved dogs.

Gene was predeceased by his parents, Lloyd I. Booth and Myrtle "Shorty" Lee McRae Booth. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Booth of Jackson, Georgia. There will be a celebration of Gene's life announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine, 317 S. College Street, Auburn, AL 36849-5517.