Gene Metzig

Gene Metzig, 68, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 3rd, 2010, after spending three weeks in the Hadlow Northeast Florida Community Hospice Center. As a Christian, he knew to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 corn 5:8). He was born on June 25, 1941, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of George and Doris Metzig. After many moves to various locations throughout the Midwest and Central Florida, he made Clay County his home for the last twenty years. Early career moves included the railroad, and an “over the road” trucking company. The last 25 years of his career, he excelled in the newspaper and publishing field. Due to ill health, he retired as a director from the Florida Times Union in 2000. Gene had a wide range of interests including boating, fishing, Southern gospel music and cooking. After his retirement many of his days were spent preparing gourmet meals to share with his family and friends. He loved and faithfully attended Hibernia Baptist Church. One of the greatest joys of his life was his involvement with the youth ministry at Hibernia, where he spent much of his time mentoring, providing leadership, and being a friend to the children / youth . His support was not limited to church functions, but involved time with the youth at their school and community activities. It was not unusual to find him at a Friday evening football game or for the youth to be found at his home seeking his support and guidance. He is survived by Deborah, his loving wife of 39 years; three sons: Kevin Metzig (Michelle), and Craig Metzig, Minneapolis, MN; Sean (Denise), Fleming Island, FL; and one daughter, Tiffany Metzig, Palm Harbor, FL; nine grandchildren, (Kevin): Brian, Kelvin, Natalie; (Craig) Jeremy, Joshua, Lindsey; (Sean) Alyssa, Chase, Brandy Marr ( Billy); great granddaughter: Ryleigh Marr; His precious sister, Dianne Wilkie (David), Mendota Heights, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hibernia Baptist Church, Attn: Focused By Grace building fund, 7100 highway 17 South, Fleming Island, FL 32003. Homegoing celebration will be held on Sunday, June 6, at 3:00 p.m. at Hibernia Baptist Church. “Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. This verse from Isaiah brought strength and comfort to Gene in his final days. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.