Gene King Loadholtz

Gene King Loadholtz, 96, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, died peacefully in his sleep, Friday, January 23, 2026. He is survived by his two daughters, Terry M. Pinney & Christine D. Loadholtz, two grandchildren, Thomas Garton Jr. (Colleen) & Katherine Hagler, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Gene was born on July 18, 1929, in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from Duncan U. Fletcher High School in 1947 where he was the Quarterback for the Football Team and Player-Coach for the Baseball Team. After High School, Gene joined the United States Air Force three years and five days after D-Day and five weeks before his 18th Birthday.

Shortly after Mr. Loadholtz was stationed in Colorado, he met his first wife, Lorraine Burns, on a blind date and they were married two weeks later in 1948. Gene and Lorraine had two children together, Terry & Christine, and remained married during his entire military career, over 20 years.

At the time of Gene's retirement from the Air Force, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7). His last assignment was in the 4756 Air Base Group after previously being assigned to the 2496 Air Force Reserve Sector, 9191 Air Reserve Group, and the 9976th Air Reserve Squadron.

In 1973, Gene King Loadholtz married Nancy Mann and the two were married for over 45 years until her death in 2018. During their marriage they enjoyed traveling, cuisine, going to the movies, gambling, and most of all sharing life together.

After his military career, Gene began his professional career as a Real Estate Agent and worked for over 40 years serving the panhandle community of Florida. He did not retire until after the age of 80.

Gene Loadholtz's life was dedicated to the service of others, service to his family, service to his country, and service to his profession. He was a devoted father and grandfather, he loved watching old war movies, he enjoyed sharing meals with loved ones, he loved the beach, and he loved his independence into the end of his life. He will be sorely missed.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM with Services following from 1:00PM to 1:30PM at Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home, 124 W Gregory St., Pensacola, FL. Military Honors and Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, located on Naval Air Station Pensacola, at 2:00 PM.

WATERS & HIBBERT FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.