Clarence "Gene" Staggs, Sr.

Gene was born May 3, 1927 in Florence, Al.  He was raised in a one room house on Cumberland Ave. along with his two brothers, Billy and Jimmy; and his sister, Betty.

He ran the hills and hollers of Wildwood Park while growing up.  He swam and fished Cypress Creek at an area known as “Bar-Bar”.  At 17, (1944) he left Coffee High School and entered into WWII.  He joined the Navy and full filled his tour while in the Philippines.  While there, the war ended.  He came home and finished his education by earning his G.E.D.

In 1947 he married his girlfriend Pete Stricklin.  They were married 63 years until her death in 2010.  In 1949 Gene went to work at Reynolds Medals.  He was a brick layer and worked there for 40 years until his retirement in 1990.  In 1950, he and Pete bought a new house on Florida Ave. in Florence.  He resided there for 75 years until his death in 2026.  Upon retirement, he and Pete traveled the USA, Mexico and into Canada.  Also during his retirement, he went to work as a bus driver for the City of Florence School System.

In 1975 Gene gave his life to the Lord.  He was saved at Calvary Temple in Florence.  He was a faithful member for some 50 years.  He served as a Deacon and Church Treasurer.

Gene loved camping, fishing, golf, gardening, Alabama football and his ol’ pickup truck.  He was a good man, good friend, good neighbor, good husband, and good father.  He will be sorely missed.  We love you Dad.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, two brothers and his sister.  He was also predeceased by his youngest son, Phillip Staggs in 2018.

He is survived by his oldest son, Tip Staggs (Melba).

Special thanks to Visiting Angels, especially Joi.  Special thanks to Carly at Hospice and Brittany and all the staff and nurses at Mitchell-Hollingsworth.  A big thank you to Bro. Gary Cosby and his wonderful wife Susie.

An online guest book may be signed at greenviewmemorial.com.

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