Mr. Harry "Gene" Washburn Sr., age 93 of Boiling Springs, NC, passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Wendover Hospice in Shelby.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Betty Jenkins Washburn of the home, children, Cathy Boyd (James) of Chesnee, SC, Libby Washburn Blair (Scott) of Boiling Springs, NC, and Harry Washburn, Jr. (Sherwin) of Boiling Springs, NC, grandchildren, Wes Boyd (Amanda), Jerry Boyd (Amber), Katie Jolley (Aaron), Meredith Foy (Alan), all of Chesnee, SC, a step granddaughter, Scottie Handford (Paul) of Easley, SC, Downey Hinton (Aaron), Jay Washburn III (Jamie), and Brett Washburn, all of Boiling Springs, NC, fifteen great grandchildren, two brothers, Gerald Washburn of Herndon, VA, and D.P. Washburn (Lin) of Polkville, NC, and a sister, Evelyn Giles (Walter) of Cary, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born on August 11, 1925 in Cleveland County, Mr. Washburn was the son of the late D.P. Washburn and Edna Wright Washburn. Gene attended Gardner-Webb College, Wake Forest University, and Western Carolina University, where he obtained his Master's degree. He was a teacher and coach at Lattimore School and West Cleveland School, and was an assistant principal at Crest Middle School. He coached a number of sports during his career. He enjoyed gardening and golfing. Gene served in the United States Navy during WWII on Saipan as an Aviation Ordnance Man where he earned the Pacific Theater Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother and will be missed by those that knew him.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 pm Friday, November 9, 2018 at Boiling Springs Baptist Church. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 pm Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Boiling Springs Baptist Church conducted by Dr. Robert Lamb and Rev. Keith McKinney. A private burial will be at Cleveland Memorial Park prior to the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or to Baptists on Mission, P.O. Box 1047, Shelby, NC 28151.
To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com
A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.