Gene Asbill

   The Reverend Autrey Eugene “Gene” Asbill, 75, of Stoneridge Gracious Retirement Living, 105 Convention Drive, Cary, NC, departed this life on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, in Raleigh.

   Rev. Asbill was born in Lexington, SC on June 13, 1944, and was the son of the late Richard and Ottie Lee Wood Asbill. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rachel Ewell; and by brothers, Charlie and Jarvis Asbill.

   A graduate of Lexington High School, he received his formal education from North Greenville College in Tigerville, SC, Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, and Emmanuel Baptist College in Shelby, NC. His former pastorates include Warwick Baptist Church, Winterville Baptist Church, Potecasi Baptist Church, and Gatesville Baptist Church. He had served as Moderator of the Chowan Baptist Association for two years, and was instrumental in the building and planning of their current office in Hertford. He had served for six years in the United States Navy Reserve.

   Gene loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. A former member of the West Chowan Bassmasters, he was life member of the American Bass and Crappie Association. He had a great love of the Chowan River and encouraged everyone to keep it clean and free of trash. Gene will be remembered for his willingness to help others when they were going through tough times. He never met a stranger and his personality let him make friends wherever he went.

   Surviving are his wife, Joan; his son, Dr. Charles Scott Asbill and wife, Windy, of Benson; and grandchildren, Creighton and Hayden Asbill. Also surviving are Joan’s daughters, Kim Leffingwell of Wales, UK and her children, Kelley and Mathew, and Mary Katherine Luton and husband, Gary, of Hornbrook, CA; and their children and grandchildren.

   A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in Gatesville Baptist Church and will be conducted by G. Douglas Lilley. Friends may join the family in the social hall immediately following the church service. The private burial will be in Warwick Baptist Church Cemetery.

   Gene requested that flowers be omitted, and any remembrance be made to fund a scholarship program for students from Gatesville Baptist Church. Those contributions should be sent to the church at:  P.O. Box 167, Gatesville, NC 27938.

   Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.