Gene Autry Starr, Sr., age 72, passed away February 14, 2010, at Shands Lakeshore Hospital in Lake City, FL. He was born June 29, 1937, at Brooksville, FL. to Heth and Gladys Starr. He was a graduate of Boone High School and was an avid Gator fan. Mr. Starr spent most of his life in the Orlando, FL. area and moved to their farm near Jennings, FL. following his retirement from the Orange County Engineering Department. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and was active in community activities while living in Hamilton County. Mr. Starr was a veteran of the U.S. Army; a member of the Orlando Moose Lodge; the Kiwanis Club of Jasper; and the Gideons International, Live Oak Camp. Mr. Starr will be remembered by his wife as a loving husband and by his children as a wonderful father who loved and supported them in all their endeavors. In Hamilton County he will be remembered by many as a "special friend who loved people". He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Roy C. Starr.

Survivors include his devoted and loving wife, Lois Esther Starr; his daughter, Geniane Starr Bell (Mickey) Jasper, FL.; his son, Gene A. Starr (Schvonia) Baxley, GA.; a brother, Charles Childress, Birmingham, AL.; three grandchildren, Tiffany Bell Doll (Kevin), Geavonna Starr, Gene A. Starr, III and one great-granddaughter, Sara Doll.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 at New Hope Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery

The family will receive friends at New Hope Baptist Church on Tuesday, Feb. 16th between the hours of 6:00-8:00 P.M.