Gene Springle

Gene Autry Springle, 74, of Bettie, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at his residence. A graveside service was held 10:00 am Friday at Vergie Mae Cemetery, with Rev. Jonathan Griffin officiating.

Gene was born on July 1, 1936. He was the sixth of eleven children born to Hubert Wesley and Loretta Garner Springle. His siblings included: Elijah, Frank, Johnny (JT), Isabelle, Hubert Wesley (Jr.), Alberta, Charles, Janice, Mary, and ?June Bug?. He grew up on Turkey Lane in Beaufort and resided the last few months in Bettie with his daughter and son-in-law.

Gene was no stranger to hard work, beginning at age 13 he began fishing on a shad boat for half a share to help look out for his siblings. Worldly possessions were scarce but family and love were abundant.

In his younger days, Gene would visit the Down East area where he met and fell in love with a spirited young red head named Molly Louise Willis. They married on December 23, 1957 at Craven County Courthouse. They started their family where they had four children and resided mainly on Harkers? Island with the exception of a short time in Beaufort, Delaware and Albany, NY. Gene?s main livelihood was spent working on the water, particularly on dredge boats. In later years he enjoyed spending time on the water in his own boat, the Molly B.

Gene loved seafood and music, but sports was his passion. He had a particular love for baseball where he was a member of the Beaufort Sea Dogs, and the Eastern Blues coached by Wilson Davis. He was an especially fast runner and was known for stealing bases. He often spoke loving memories of the joy of the game and of his team members as his extended family.

He is survived by his four children: daughters, Tammy Springle Gilliken and son-in-law Kevin of his home in Betty, Paula Springle Daniels and son-in-law Bruce, Debbie Springle Lewis and son-in-law Jeff of Otway and son, Gene Autry Springle Jr. of Beaufort, and especial friend Terry Kington, siblings: Frank Springle, Johnny Springle, Alberta Choat, Charles Springle, Janice Whitehurse, Mary Cox; grand children: Crystal Davis, Kayla Lewis, Justin Daniels, Christopher Lupton, Dakota Springle; great grand children: Haley Peregoy and Danielle Davis, baby dogs: Abby, Molly, and Sissy, and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Molly Louise Willis Springle, parents: Hubert and Loretta Springle, siblings: Hubert Wesley Springle Jr., Elijah Springle, Isabel Springle Raymond, and June Carol Just.

The family would like to convey their appreciation to all those who lifted them up in this difficult time. For the: visits, calls, cards, flowers, food and especially the outward expression of love and prayers: we say ?Thank You!?.

Online condolences may be made to the family at mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City.