Gene Webb

Gene Webb, age 92, died on December 21, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Gene will always be remembered as a gentle, honest, steady presence to all who knew him.  His oldest daughter said, “My Daddy, was like a wood burning fireplace that warmed the house.  He was understanding, controlled, balanced and mature.  There was good will, grace, rhythm, love and kindness taught by example.”

Gene was born in Clay, Co. Kentucky on May 31, 1929.  HIs family moved to Indiana when Gene turned six. His great adult adventure began when he joined the Air Force in 1947. From there, his service led him to Guam and then Eglin Air Force Base near Gulf Breeze, FL and a friendship with his future brother-in-law, Charlie Merritt. That one pivotal relationship introduced Gene to Jesus, His Savior, and so began a life devoted to the church and the love of his life, Annice (Broxson).  After meeting at church, the two were married in 1951.  When his military duty took him to Fairbanks, Alaska, Gene moved this time with his young family. Upon leaving the Air Force after 6 years of service, Gene attended and graduated from Southwestern Assembly of God College in Waxahachie, TX and became a pastor for several years in Indiana, Alabama, and Florida.

Gulf Breeze, FL was Gene’s long-term home, where he and Annice raised their five children, sold real estate, played lots of golf, and celebrated 70 years of marriage, as he became the master of the family fish fry.   When needed, Gene gave his kidney to his oldest son to extend his life.  He joked that its removal made his golf swing better and upped his game.  Gene accompanied Annice as she traveled each summer with teenagers and adults to many countries.   He was introduced to other cultures, other families beyond borders and lifelong friendships.

Gene is survived by his wife Annice Webb; his four children and their spouses, Deborah Stoner (Bruce), Donald Webb (Julie), Karen Williams (Frank), and Shirley Drury (Rod), his daughter-in-law, Cindy Webb and his brother, Otis Webb.  He leaves a generation of 13 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Broadus and Rose Webb, his son Randall Webb, his siblings Frieda Nichter, Carl Webb, Shirley Morris, Ronnie Webb, and Danny Webb.

A private family service will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze, FL.  In lieu of flowers the family of Gene Webb ask that you consider a donation to Peoria Christian Fellowship Church, 610 Abington St., Ste J, Peoria IL  61603. They were a great support to Gene in his last year of life.