Mr. Gene Lester Generette

Gene Lester Generette was born in Walterboro, South Carolina on August 12,1938.  He was the son of the late Paul Edgar and Deser Lee Doctor Generette. It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we bid farewell to our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and trusted friend who transitioned on June 8, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving wife and other family members in his final moments.

At an early age, Lester joined Cypress Creek Christian Church in Walterboro, South Carolina, where he remained a faithful member until his death.  His introduction to the public school system of Colleton County was in a little one-room school called Oak Grove.  He often exaggerated and shared how he had to walk ten whole miles to attend school. He was a skilled foreman, known for his expertise in construction, and was responsible for the structure of many of the highways we travel today.  He earned a reputation of being one of the best in his craft throughout the state of South Carolina.

Lester was a beacon of kindness, strength and wisdom throughout his life. He was loved for his Immense humor, candid personality, and unfailing wisdom.  He cherished his family above all and loved everyone selflessly, unconditionally, and without limitations. A stranger never crossed his path, and he was a source of inspiration to everyone who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. 

In his spare time and before his health declined, he enjoyed keeping up with current events by Watching the daily news, debating, fishing, hunting, riding horses, and sharing his wisdom and love for the Lord with family and friends. Lester was very intentional about farming and taking great care of the family land, as his grandfather, Farmer Mannie Doctor, requested. Also very intentional about motivating youth to complete and further their education, as he only had a seventh-grade education. He was an advocate for the young ladies of the family, and empowered them to be self-sufficient, if necessary. Lester’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his son, Ronnie Sylvester Generette; Infant daughter, Ladean Generette; two great grandsons, Devyn Williams and Titus Generette; brothers, Harry, Joe, Haggard Lee, Chris and Dan Generette. Sisters, Anne Hooper and Irma Jane Hayes.  Also preceding him in death was a nephew, Tony Stephens, who was raised in the home as a brother.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Salley Generette; his sons, Michael Travis Generette of Summerville, South Carolina, Troy Sheldon Generette of Walterboro, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Mark S. Generette, Taharqa Jabari “TJ” Generette, Devona M. Generette, Montel T. Generette, Christina Generette, Aleece Cook (Tim) and Winter Sanders, and Lakia Grant, whom he loved as his grandchild; nineteen great-grandchildren; three sisters, Marlene Ladson of Delaware, Barbara Generette of Walterboro, South Carolina, Sylvia Generette-von Suck of Charolotte, North Carolina; one brother, Mannie R. Generette of Oklahoma City; one special niece, Nathasa “Tasha” Werts, who was like a daughter, and her children; two uncles, Willie Mitchell Jr. (Mary), Charles Mitchell, (Joyce); one aunt, Betty S. Arnold; five sisters-in-law, anie Daniels, Annie Mae Dobison (Willie-James), Marie Martin, Ernestine Daniels, Sharon Generette and Mattie Pierce; four brothers-in-law, Willie H. Daniels, Gabriel Hodges (Barbara), Johnny Hodges (Clara), Roosevelt Hodges; two daughters-in-law, Stacy Generette and Jennifer Pinckney; Tangie Elliott, whom he loved as a niece; devoted friends, Tyrone Adams, Joe Sanders, and Joe Holsey, and  a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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