Donald Eugene "Gene" Greene

Donald Eugene “Gene” Greene was born on October 10, 1934 to Guy Greene and Nancy Elizabeth (Dezarn) “Nannie” Greene in Laurel County, Kentucky. Preceding him in death were his wife, Doris Lefaye Deaton Wilson Greene, a son, Donald Eugene Greene II, his parents, Guy and Nannie and siblings: Robert Vernon Greene, Doris Irene Greene, James Willard Greene, Lois Joanne Greene Johnson, Charles Lyndon Greene, Mac Greene, Kenneth Ray Greene and Joyce Greene Parsons. Left to mourn his passing are his children: Doris Fields, Donna Gail Wilson, Debbi (Garry) Owens, Darlene (Steve) Bowling, Dwight (Kerri) Greene and his baby sister, Janet Greene, brother-in-law Ray Parsons, grandchildren, LeAnn Ellison, Callie Robinson, Amanda (Jason) Brummett, Lindsey Owens, Eric Fields, Alex (Karen) Fields, Brycen (Taylor) Bowling, Logan Bowling, Megan (Henry) Moore, and Caroline Greene. His great grandchildren, Case Brummett, Levi Brummett and Kaety Ellison and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. God began preparing Gene for ministry as a young boy who like Samuel in the Bible, Gene audibly heard his name being called. He often shared how clear and unmistakable he heard his name "Gene." Just as Samuel went to Eli when he heard a voice calling him, Gene went to his mother, believing she had called his name. Later in life, he came to understand that it was God calling him. Gene married his childhood sweetheart, Doris Deaton Wilson Greene, after both had endured significant heartache in their lives. Through Doris' persistence, prayers, and an invitation to attend a revival at Colony Holiness Church, Gene gave his heart to the Lord. He often said that when he arose from the altar, he felt a love for everyone and no hatred toward anyone. That experience marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to serving Christ and sharing the Gospel. Gene embraced the belief that there is one Church—the body of Christ—and throughout his ministry he worked alongside ministers from many denominations. He accepted God's call to preach during a trip to the Holy Land in 1962, a journey that deeply impacted his life and ministry. By trade, Gene was a skilled heavy equipment operator who was recruited to operate cranes during the coal boom of the 1970s, but Gene possessed a servant's heart and a sincere desire to lead people to Jesus Christ. Gene pastored churches throughout Kentucky, including Wheelwright Pentecostal Church, Old Union Holiness, East London Pentecostal (Souls' Harbor), Carmichael Community Church, and he was interim pastor at numerous churches. He was also a founder and permanent trustee of East London Pentecostal Church. His ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church into the communities he loved and served. Throughout his life, he held numerous leadership and service positions, including: OPAC longest-serving board member, Laurel County Homecoming Person of the Year, Laurel County Zoning Board member, Laurel County Ethics Board member, Community Cooperative Ministry Director, Laurel Heights Chaplain, Laurel County Sheriff's Department Chaplain, Kentucky Board of Social Work member, Chairman of Laurel County Head Start, Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship, and Co-organizer of the Laurel County Church Softball League with Lowell Gilbert. Over the course of his ministry, Gene officiated hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of weddings and funerals. Because of his faithful service to families throughout the region, he became affectionately known as "The Courthouse Preacher." While Gene's accomplishments were many, his greatest joy was his family. He deeply loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took great pride in their achievements, especially their pursuit of higher education. He loved attending all of their activities and events. He was equally proud of the strong work ethic he instilled in his family, a legacy that continues through future generations. He loved attending ballgames at both South and North Laurel High Schools. Even after suffering a stroke in 2024, Gene remained an example of faithfulness and perseverance. His life's work was devoted to serving God, loving people, and pointing others to Jesus Christ. If Gene could leave one final message for his family, it would be this: Live for Jesus. Serve Him faithfully. By doing so, one day we will all be reunited and spend eternity together in the presence of our Lord and Savior. A funeral service honoring Reverend Gene Greene will be held on Monday, June 8th at 11:00 at Faith Assembly of God Church in London, KY with Pastor Rodney Goodlett officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, June 7th at 6:00 also at Faith Assembly of God Church. Brother Greene will be laid to rest at Cottongim Cemetery. Pallbearers: Eric Fields, Jason Brummett, Case Brummett, Levi Brummett, Brycen Bowling, Logan Bowling, Dr. Henry Moore, Robbie Thornhill, Alex Fields Honorary Pallbearers: Sean Swinney, Hershel Lainhart, Gary Greene, Travis Asher, Larry Vanhook, T. Hulett, Ron Miller, Randy Stanifer, Roger Stanifer, Mike Reed The family has entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements.