Gene Way Obituary

Gene Way, Jr. WELAKA, FL - Mr. Eugene Barnwell Way, Jr., affectionately known by many as "Gene", age 71, of Welaka, Florida, entered into rest Wednesday evening, September 25, 2013, at the Dave McGraw Hospice Facility in Jacksonville, Florida. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Barnwell Way, Jr. are invited to attend the funeral services of the former which will be conducted 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, September 29, 2013, from the First Baptist Church of Walterboro, 124 South Memorial Avenue, in the Historic District of Walterboro. The Reverend Philip McNeal officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Hendersonville Highway, Walterboro. Friends may call for visitation prior to the funeral ceremony beginning at 1:30 that afternoon in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Walterboro. Born December 2, 1941, a son of the late Eugene Barney Way, Sr. and the late Gertrude Wells Zellmer, he was a native of Charleston, South Carolina having resided during in the Charleston, Walterboro, and Seabrook communities before making his home in Florida in April of 2006. Known for a strong and devoted work ethic, Gene began as a clerk with the South Carolina Public Railways and over the course of a thirty-seven year career he worked diligently in most every aspect of the company having retired August 31, 2002 as the company's President. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Walterboro where he was especially active with the church's youth. He was instrumental in church's involvement with World Changers and the organization of the Nails-in-Hands group, which has provided countless wheel-chair ramps to those in need. At his church, he was also a member of the Ron Sammons Sunday School Class. He was a Master Mason, holding his membership at Unity Masonic Lodge, No. 55 - Ancient Free Masons, in Walterboro. An outdoorsman, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Having spent countless hours with each sport and traveling to places such as Costa Rica and others to enjoy memorable experiences with something he loved. He was a member of the Charleston Rotary, the Propeller Club (a maritime organization) and was a life member of Quail Unlimited. Gene was also a renowned cook, always hosting family and friends whenever possible and creating fellowship that will forever be cherished. Surviving are: his wife of thirty-three years, Mrs. Phyllis Ramsey Way; a son, Eugene Barnwell Way, III of Charleston; two daughters, Sheila Way Hinson and her husband Ty of Jacksonville, Florida and Kellie Way Ritter and her husband Jamie of Ritter; a brother, Wayne Monte Way of Charleston; and a brother-in-law, Mike Ramsey of Beaufort. There are five grandchildren, Kenneth Gene Way, Minyon Sheila Ritter, Austin Taylor Way, Thomas Morris, and Katelin Ritter; and one great grandchild, Adrian Chanel Cook, as well as several nieces and nephews to include a special niece, Prissy Ramsey Griffin and her husband Cal of Walterboro and their children, Clay, Callie, and Gracie. Flowers will be accepted, or for those that so wish, the family has suggested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to: First Baptist Church of Walterboro, for use with the Set Apart Youth Ministry, 124 South Memorial Avenue, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488. For those that desire, memorial messages and thoughts of condolence as well as memorable recollections of Mr. Way may be shared with the family by visiting our online registry at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston