William Henry "Gene" Epps

William Henry "Gene" Epps -LIZELLA - William Henry "Gene" Epps was born in Macon, Bibb County on February 19, 1928 to the union of the late Willie Epps and the former Hattie Mae Howard. He confessed his faith in Christ at an early age uniting in fellowship at Holsey Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a faithful member of Holsey Temple and passionately contributed to the upkeep and maintenance of his beloved church. He was a dutiful member of the Chancel Choir and participated in the Holsey Temple Male Chorus. -A Korean War veteran, William served in the United States Navy and was a decorated sailor receiving the bronze star and distinguished service award. He was a hospital corpsman attached to the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theater. Additionally, he worked part time for the United States Immigration Service. -"Baby Gene" (as he was fondly called) attended the public schools of Bibb County, Georgia graduating from Ballard Hudson High School. He received his B.S. Degree from Tuskegee Institute in Food and Nutrition. Gene further studied at New York University receiving a certificate in Physical Therapy and a M.A. in Physical Therapy Administration. Bill began his employment with the Essex Valley Visiting Nurse's Association where he worked for 40 years retiring as the Director of Rehabilitation Services. He also developed a well established private practice as a Physical Therapist in East Orange, New Jersey and was highly respected and well loved by his clients and friends. Bill was the first man to be employed by the Visiting Nurse's Association in New Jersey. He also established the Physical Therapy Department at Ivy Haven Nursing Home for the City of Newark. -He has received numerous awards throughout his illustrious career. He was honored as the Outstanding Civil Service Employee for the City of Newark; he also received the Management Recognition Award from Community Health Care of North Jersey, Inc. Additionally, the William H. Epps Scholarship Fund for Outstanding Academic Achievement was sponsored by the Visiting Nurse's Association. William departed this life on Saturday, February 16, 2008. -He leaves to cherish his memory devoted and loving nieces: JoAnn Avery Bryant and Harriet (Benjamin) Blair of Smyrna; great nieces, Lauralen Avery and Tamara C. Epps of Macon, and Kacie Blair of Smyrna; nephews, William G. Epps of Macon and Alan (Donna) G. Epps of Aurora, Ill.; great nephews, Mychal (Sian) Epps, Jamal Epps, Kenneth Epps and Benjamin Blair of Smyrna; a Sister-in-law, Alma P. Epps; and a host of other relatives and friends. -The family is receiving condolences at their home: 228 Gates Road, Lizella, Georgia. Funeral services will be held at Holsey Temple C.M.E. Church, 1011 Washington Avenue, Macon, Georgia, Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. -Friends are encouraged to sign the guest book registry at www.legacy.com/macon/Death Notice.asp. -Hutchings Service. William Epps