In Loving Memory of Gene Stephen Adkins

Gene Stephen Adkins, 87, of Clermont, Florida, peacefully entered his heavenly home on June 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of a family he cherished deeply throughout his life.

Born on January 12, 1939, in Valdosta, Georgia, Gene was the beloved son of Carlos Jones Adkins, Sr. and Kathaeryn Watters Adkins. He graduated from Georgia Military Academy in 1957 and went on to attend Florida State University before completing his degree at Valdosta State College in 1962.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965, with assignments in Ankara, Turkey, and Homestead, Florida. Following his military service, he began a career that reflected his commitment to helping others, serving as a probation and parole officer with the Florida Department of Corrections for 35 years before retiring in March 2002.

One of Gene’s greatest blessings came while attending Florida State University, where he met the love of his life, Gloria Barber. They were married in August 1960 and shared nearly 66 years of unwavering love, devotion, and partnership. Together they built a beautiful family and a life filled with faith, laughter, and treasured memories.

Gene was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and delighted great-grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his family, sharing stories, celebrating milestones, and creating memories that will live on for generations. He took immense pride in his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his love for them was evident in everything he did.

A man of deep faith, Gene was a dedicated member of Powers Drive Baptist Church for 49 years, faithfully serving as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, R.A. leader, and Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a longtime member of Gideons International and later attended Fellowship Bible Study Church in Ocoee, Florida. His faith guided his life and served as an example to all who knew him.

Gene embraced life with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. He was an avid hunter who was happiest in the woods surrounded by family—especially his sons-in-law, grandsons-in-law, and great-grandsons. Whether sharing hunting stories around camp or teaching life lessons in the outdoors, those moments became some of his family’s most treasured memories. Fishing was another lifelong passion, and few places brought him more happiness than the waters of Chokoloskee, Florida.

Those who knew Gene will remember his steady presence, kind heart, quiet wisdom, unwavering integrity, and wonderful sense of humor. He had a gift for making others feel welcomed and valued, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and family devotion.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria; daughters Cynthia Garmany (Ken) and Stephanie Emanuel (Charles); granddaughters Kristen Still (Brandon), Ashley Verneau (Nicholas), Erin Taddei (Lucas), and Taylor Caspary (Chance); great-grandchildren Logan, Austin, and Peyton Still; Savannah Dillon-Verneau and Lucas Verneau; and Colton Caspary. He is also survived by his sister, Kathaeryn Fletcher (Delmas), and his brother, Carlos J. Adkins, Jr.

Though his family mourns his passing, they find comfort in knowing he is now at peace and reunited with loved ones who have gone before him. His life was a testament to faith, dedication, and unconditional love, and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Collison Funeral Home, 1148 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, Florida 34787, on Saturday, June 20, with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or VITAS Healthcare (6909 Old Hwy 441, Suite 105, Mt. Dora, FL 32757).

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23