Gene Rector

Gene L. Rector, COL, USAF (RET), 76, went to be with the Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 19, 2020. He was a native of Cramerton, N.C. and was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Nellie Rector; his first wife Nancy; and one brother, Robert.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy; one adopted daughter, Kate and her husband Kevin, his brother, Ted (Betty), of North Carolina and a host of nieces, great nieces, great nephews and other family members.

It was while in Little Rock, stationed at the Little Rock Air Force base in Jacksonville that Gene first met Cindy. When he wasn’t working for the 308th Strategic Missile Wing, he was moonlighting at the then Arkansas Democrat, in the Sports Department. His editor was Jack Keady, with whom he developed a great friendship. It was also where he first met Cindy. She, also a journalism major, worked in the society department of the Arkansas Democrat. It wasn’t long until he noticed her and invited her to lunch. From there they began what would one day become their romantic journey through life. Gene was reassigned by the Air Force from Little Rock to California. Over time the two lost touch. He married and had a happy marriage with Nancy; and Cindy married and had a beautiful baby girl, and then enjoyed a great divorce. Gene and Cindy never forgot one another, but had no contact for almost 50 years.

Gene graduated from Cramerton High School in 1962 then received a BA in Journalism from the University of North Carolina and a Master’s in Business and Personal Management from Central Michigan University.

After college, he embarked on a 27+ year career in the U.S. Air Force. His assignments included time as a Titan II launch officer; Director of Public Affairs at four bases; Chief of Logistics at several locations; Deputy Base Commander and Senior Logistician at Thule Air Force Base, Greenland; Commander of the Logistics Support Group in Saudi Arabia and Chief of International Logistics at Kelly Air Force base, Texas. His writing talent also led to more than six years as a speech writer for four secretaries of the Air Force at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and for other senior Air Force officials at other locations. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with seven devices, Air Force Commendation Medal, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and other decorations and awards.

After the Air Force, Gene worked as a consultant with a number of defense contractors then was program manager for a major manpower contract in Saudi Arabia. He later combined his military experience and his writing talent to work 13 years as a military writer for media in Georgia, including 10 years with The Telegraph in Macon, Georgia.

His most unexpected and joyful experience came as a widower when a relationship of more than 50 years earlier was renewed and resulted in marriage to Cindy Chrisman of North Little Rock, Arkansas. The love, mutual support, extensive travel and good times the two shared during the last years of his life were especially gratifying and priceless.

Gene was especially grateful for the opportunities the Air Force provided him over the years to serve as a soloist, choir member and Sunday School teacher for congregations and religious groups in Arkansas, California, the Philippines, Washington D.C., Texas, Thule, Greenland and Macon, Georgia. The opportunities produced many life-long friendships and prayer partners.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the congregation at North View Baptist Church where Gene relished the love, friendships and especially prayers for him. Special thanks to Rick and Shirley Head, Randy Rogers, Jim Fink and the Ridgell family. Words cannot express our great appreciation to Pam Davis Lasiter. She prayed, she cooked, she constantly sent inspirational messages and cards of love.

Because of the worldwide pandemic, Gene Rector’s final resting place will be in the family plot in North Carolina at a later date. He will be buried with full military honors. He is now in Heaven and no doubt singing with the angels.