Gene Eric Starr, a dedicated husband, father, and Papa, passed away on November 20, 2024, in Greer, SC, at the age of 72. Born in Mount Holly, NJ, on December 10, 1951, Gene was a son of the late George and Emma Starr. Gene was a member of Central Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida.
After graduating from Lakeworth High School in Florida, Gene furthered his education studying architecture and ultimately started his own business, A & G Aluminum, in West Palm Beach. In pursuit of professional growth, he moved to the Upstate in 1999, where he embarked on a 30-year career at Publix Supermarket.
On August 26, 1972, Gene married his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Starr, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage and three children. He was witty and sometimes wild, always in possession of a good joke or story, and feared nothing. Gene was a proud grandfather who relished attending his grandchildren's sporting events and supporting them in every endeavor.
Outside of his professional and familial commitments, Gene dedicated his time to fostering canines with Carolina Loving Hound Rescue, providing comfort to terminally ill animals. He loved attending Bike Night at the local Harley Davidson dealership in Greenville, indulging in his passion for motorcycles alongside his friends. As an outdoor enthusiast with a love for camping, travel, and was extremely artistic, Gene's vibrant spirit and zest for life touched all those around him.
An admirer of classic cars, Gene took pride in his Triumph Spitfire and Mach1 Mustang, showcasing his flair for vintage automobiles. His love for adventure and the open road mirrored in his appreciation for motorcycle rides, solidifying lifelong friendships and memorable experiences.
Gene's legacy will live on through his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his kind spirit. In addition to his wife Betty, he leaves behind three children, Stephanie Noel Fenwick and her husband Harry, April Marie Starr, and Jason Eric Starr and his fiance Kayla Danielle; eight adored grandchildren, Nicholas Fenwick, Garrett Fenwick, Ryan Fenwick, Adryanna Sands, Cameron Sands, Isabella Sands, Caden Dillon, Taven Eric Starr; a brother, Alvin Starr; two sisters, Vivian McGee and sister Evon Clark; nieces and nephews, Michael McCrady, Georgia Mae Hilliger, Joseph Frazier, Dana Frazier, Vista Hilliger, Eddie Starr, Robin Seal, Kirby Seal, Randy Seal, Gary Seal, Duane Seal, Brandon Starr, Brittany Starr, Tanya Williams, Andrew Clark, Jr., and Alvin Clark.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Margaretta "Dolly" Starr; a brother, Frederick Starr; and a nephew, Frederick Clark.
A funeral service honoring Gene's life will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown, with visitation following from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Carolina Loving Hound Rescue, https://www.carolina-loving-hound-rescue.com/, P.O. Box 15288,
Greenville, SC 29610.
Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Livestream by clicking on the "WATCH EVENT" button located in the Services section.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Gene with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".