Bethel Gene Augustine

The world lost an incredible man on October 16, 2025. Bethel "Gene" Augustine, 85, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife, Maritza, and family members. He was born on August 9, 1940, in Logan, West Virginia, to Victor and Dora Rogers Augustine. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Ronald and Victor; sister Betty Jo; daughters Robin and Cynthia; granddaughter Ashlie; and grandson Karl.
At age 17, Gene left high school early and was recruited into the United States Marine Corps, serving proudly in Japan and Lebanon before receiving an honorable discharge. He relocated his family to Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1971, where he dedicated himself to building a lifelong career in sales, eventually finding his calling in the home improvement industry. He also developed a passion for billiards, earning a reputation as a talented player and pool shark.
Gene was a true "people person." He thrived on telling countless stories and making others laugh. He was a loving father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Gene will be remembered for his kindness, charm, humor, quick wit, generosity, sharp memory, warm smile, strong will, and immense zest for life.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Maritza Augustine; his children Tammy Snead (Ed), Edward Augustine (Caren), and Victoria Stermer (Dawson); and his stepdaughters Sara McKay (Spencer), Gabriella Thomas (Douglas), and Daniella Budaszewski (Steven). He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan Worden (Sarah), Alicia Portalatin (Brion), Matthew Stermer, Tyler Augustine, Alexa Ward (Ross), Madison Ramos (Zach), Austin Stermer, Matthew Snead, Christopher Culbreath, and Candace Gulley (Trevelle); as well as Rowan Wilder, Georgia Thomas, Forrest Thomas, Denver Thomas, Quinn Budaszewski, and Adrian McKay. He was blessed with 22 cherished great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy.
Gene's life was marked by love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he cherished. He leaves behind a legacy of strength and kindness-a reflection of the life he lived and the love he shared. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated team at Fresenius Kidney Care for their compassionate care and support of Gene throughout his kidney disease and dialysis treatments.
A service to celebrate Gene's life will be held at Wave Church on Friday, October 24th, at 1:00 p.m.