Gene Reighard, 81, of Topton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 7, 2022.
He was a lifelong resident of Topton and a commercial equipment operator who traveled the country working in pipefitting.
Gene was a true rockhound alongside his friend of 50 years, Bill Booth. He also enjoyed cutting and setting stones and panning for gold. Gene also owned and operated a flagstone quarry for 30 years.
He was an avid photographer and enjoyed going out west with his friends Larry and Gayle Hughes. He was a talented landscape photographer and enjoyed taking pictures of God’s beauty in nature. He even had a telescope, which he used to take pictures of the planets and sky as well.
Gene also enjoyed golf, collecting old bottles, and reading western books. He enjoyed bowling and had bowled a 299 one time.
He was a member of Red Marble Baptist Church and loved his preacher, Mickey Stewart, and his wife, Lis. Gene loved his church family and all the singers at Red Marble.
He was the son of the late Emmet William and Olive Wright Reighard.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Evelyn Reighard; and a son, Mike, and his wife, Christi all of Topton. He is also survived by his four special cousins, Sonny Reighard and wife Margaret, Ike Reighard and wife Robin, John Reighard and wife Wanda, Judy McLemore and many other beloved cousins.
A special thank you to Denise Cross for her love, care and compassion.
A Celebration of Life was held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 11, at Red Marble Baptist Church with the Rev. Mickey Stewart officiating. Inurnment will take place at Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date.
The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Friday, March 11, at the church prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Martha Postell, 1201 Red Marble Road, Andrews, NC 28901.
Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.
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