Gene Petree

Eugene “Gene” Petree, III, age 69, passed away peacefully October 5th at 9:40 pm EDT after a 12-year battle with dementia. Gene was born January 20, 1949 to Betty McNair Petree and the late Eugene Petree, Jr. in Pensacola, FL. He was a proud graduate of Pensacola High School and the University of West Florida. Pensacola is also where he met and married his loving wife of 45 years, Watsie.  Along with their daughters, Shannon and Jennifer, Gene and Watsie moved to Orange Park, FL in 1985 where he remained until his death.
Gene is survived by his mother, Betty Petree; his loving wife, Watsie Petree; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucy and Bill Hemming, Betty and Randy Butler; brother, David Petree; his three adoring daughters and their spouses, Kelly and Duke Montanez, Shannon and John Fable, Jennifer and Kevin Kay; as well as his 11 grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene Petree, Jr. and sister, Rebecca Boyd.
Gene will be remembered for his infectious personality, always present humor, caring heart, and fierce loyalty.
A Memorial Service will be held at 12:30pm, Saturday, October 13, 2018 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Dr. Tim McDaniel officiating and following immediately by a reception at Eagle Harbor Swim Park Annex on Eagle Harbor Parkway.  In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to Alzheimer's Association or the Community Hospice of Jacksonville.