Eugene "Gene" Epps, 73, native and longtime resident of Palatka, and son of Sammie and Ernestine (Sermons) Epps, was born on Saturday, September 25, 1948. He was lovingly reared by his maternal grandparents, Elder Horace and Mother Cora (Dasher) Sermons.  At an early age, he became a member of Holy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ under the pastoral guidance of his maternal grandfather and served in the youth choir and was active in Sunday School. He also sang in the youth group "The Spiritual Tone Juniors" facilitated by his uncle, Sam H. Sermons. "Gene" was educated in the Putnam County School District and was a 1966 graduate of Central Academy High School. He served in the United States Army from August 1969-April 1971 attaining the rank of SSG and continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves until he earned an Honorable discharge.  He was a master Chef and enjoy cooking during his military service and for family gatherings.  In 1976, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Gloria Frances Cooper until she transitioned on Thursday, March 19, 2015.

He became a loyal, longtime member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, where over the years he served as a Church Trustee, sang in the Male Chorus, and served on the Food Service and Men's Ministries, respectively. He was a dedicated, faithful employee of Georgia Pacific (formerly Hudson Pulp and Paper Mill) until retirement following a 30-year career.  Gene was a generous donor who loved to anonymously provide monetary and in-kind gifts to worthy causes.

In addition to his loving and devoted wife , parents and maternal grandparents , "Gene" was preceded in eternal rest by his paternal grandparents , Albert W. and Alice (Hopkins) Epps; brothers, Cleveland Brown, Leonard Brown, and Alvin B. Brown; godson , Marco Smith Sr.

"Gene" peacefully entered the sunset of life on Thursday, "Veterans Day," November 11, 2021 at his residence.

He was the treasured father of two loving daughters , La'Talia Katrece Epps Weaver, Cocoa; Tamecia Epps, Palatka; the loving brother of three brothers , Pastor Sammy (Helen) Epps, Chicago, IL; Martin (Pastor Penny) Russell, Kingsland, GA; Homer Anthony Williams, Bronx, NY; the cherished brother of two sisters, Pastor Kathy (Elder Arthur) Parker; Pastor Niclolias (Pastor Alexie) Kelly, both of Jacksonville; adorable grandfather of three grandchildren , Ciara, Takeisha, and Tony Weaver, Cocoa; and six great grandchildren; also cherishing his memories: two aunts , Alice Mae Epps (Lester) James, Palatka;  Evelyn T. Sermon, Daytona Beach; two brothers-in-law , Thomas "Tommy" (Viola) Cooper & Jimmie (Bettye) Cooper; godson , Clinton Portis and a host of nieces, nephews , cousins, other relatives, classmates, colleagues and friends .

Following CDC guidelines:  Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, November 19 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka.  A Celebration of Brother Epps' Life with U.S. Army military honors will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 20 at Calvary's Family Life Center, 1414 Bronson Street, Palatka.  His pastor, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, is the eulogist.  Interment will be in Palatka Memorial Gardens.