Eugene Holman "Gene" Petteway, Jr.

Eugene Holman Petteway, Jr. was surrounded by family as he peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Father’s Day June 21, 2026. Gene was born in his family home in Inverness, Florida on May 2, 1944 to Gene Sr. and Charlotte Petteway. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Linda Cooper Petteway; their children Kyle Petteway (Melody) and Jill Hager (Merle); grandchildren Faith Hager, Kaitlyn Moore (Jeshua), and Blake Petteway; siblings Carol Roland (Jack) and Lew Petteway (Janis); and numerous other in-laws, nephews, and nieces, all of whom were also very dear to him. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Jordan Hager.

Gene grew up in Ocala, Florida as a dedicated athlete and avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed playing every sport available at the Ocala Recreation Center, spending time at Silver Springs with his friends, and hunting and fishing throughout the Ocala National Forest and surrounding areas. Gene played on the junior tennis circuit and was an outfielder on a team that won the Florida state championship in Babe Ruth Baseball. In high school he played football and baseball and was selected as the Captain of the baseball team his senior season and also received the Most Outstanding Player Award as a junior. He later played for the Ocala Semi-Pro Baseball team. His love of sports and the outdoors continued throughout his life, and he passed that on to many of his family members.

Gene met his wife Linda in second grade at Wyomina Park Elementary School. They remained close friends throughout elementary, junior high, and high school. They “went steady” for a time in seventh grade until Gene made the mistake of trying to put his arm around Linda at a movie. They finally began dating again as high school seniors. They both graduated from Ocala High School in their beloved Class of 1962. Gene was voted “Wittiest” in his senior class. Many of their classmates have remained dear lifelong friends.

Gene and Linda married in 1964. After graduating from Central Florida Junior College, they moved to Gainesville for Gene to attend Pharmacy school at the University of Florida where he graduated in 1969.

After completing his internship at Wise’s Drug Store in Gainesville, they moved to High Springs, Florida with their one-year-old son Kyle when Gene became the Pharmacist at Berry’s Drug Store. Several years later after their daughter Jill arrived, Gene bought the drugstore, and he and Linda partnered to open Petteway’s Drugs and Gifts as a Pharmacy, bridal shop, and old-fashioned soda fountain which became a well-known fixture in the community. Gene later worked as the Pharmacist at Revco, Eckerd, CVS, Winn-Dixie, and the VA Hospital in Gainesville. He took great pride in the many pharmacy interns and pharmacy techs he was able to train and mentor through the years who went on to great success in their own careers.

Gene was a gifted natural leader. He was elected as a High Springs City Commissioner at the age of 29 and Mayor the following year. He was a member of the Rotary Club. Gene coached Little League baseball and also coached Kyle’s 13-15 year old Senior League team to the league, district, and regional championships. He was elected President of the Loch Harbor Condo Association at Lake Weir where he spent many days fishing with his children, grandchildren, and friends. Gene was also selected as a member of the Lake Weir Yacht Club.

Gene served the Lord faithfully throughout his life and led many people to Christ. He helped launch the Youth Program at First Baptist Church High Springs and served as its first Youth Director in the 1970’s. He also served in countless other capacities including Chairman of the Deacons, College and Career Department leader, and as a gifted Sunday School and Bible teacher. Gene was also a significant leader of a small core group who planted Fellowship Baptist Church in High Springs that was eventually recognized as one of the fastest growing churches in the Florida Baptist Convention, baptized over 100 people in a single year, and annually presented the “Bethlehem Nativity Live!” production telling the story of the birth of Jesus to up to 20,000 people each Christmas season.

Finally, and so significantly, Gene was dedicated to his family. He was an incredible example of what a Dad and “Poppie” should be, always making his children and grandchildren a priority, being intimately involved in every aspect of their lives, never missing a game, program, or activity, and always making them feel loved unconditionally. He enjoyed a special relationship with his sister Carol and brother Lew, and all of his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. And he devoted 61 years of his life to his wife Linda. His family has described him as someone who never met a stranger, the best story-teller, friendly, funny, personable, attentive, honest, generous, compassionate, selfless, patient, sacrificial, and loving. He leaves a lasting and deeply impactful legacy.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held on June 25th, at First Baptist Church High Springs, 20112 N US HWY 441, High Springs FL 32643. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm with longtime friend Rev. Charles Warren officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Plantation Oaks Memory Care, 23301 NW 186th Ave, High Springs, FL 32643. Arrangements are being handled by Roberts Funeral Home of Dunnellon. Condolences may be left, and obituary viewed at, robertsofdunnellon.com.