Eugene Greer Widener of Fort Walton Beach, Florida,  passed away unexpectedly at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center on Monday, July 30th, 2007.

Born in Gastonia, North Carolina, Gene proudly served his country through the United States Air Force for 21 years, including involvement in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, retiring as a Master Sergeant. Upon retirement from active duty, he served as a Civil Service employee with the HQ AFSOC Directorate of Installations and Mission Support, Hurlburt Field, Florida, from May 1993 to his untimely death. Throughout his USAF and Civil Service careers, Gene specialized in Disaster Preparedness duties and took special pride in making sure his community and co-workers were prepared for hurricanes and other disaster situations. He was a true professional who left a lasting impression on all who knew and met him.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Gail Widener, and his three sons (eldest to youngest): Alan Eugene, Daniel Greer, and Nathan Eldon Widener. He will also be missed by his brothers Johnny Lee Widener of Gastonia, North Carolina & Charles Odell Widener of Jacksonville, Florida, and his step-children Rachel Smith of Navarre, Florida & Philip Holcombe of Orlando, Florida.

Gene was a community icon. As a perfect husband, supportive & loving father, and great leader, he showed all that were close to him the role model of success. He molded young minds as a father and Scoutmaster, and taught us all how to use our hearts by showing undying love for anyone in his circle of friends. He exuded an immense passion for history, collecting tomes & relics from the Civil War. He was also an active & faithful member of the Trinity United Methodist Church.