Mullins- Gene Douglas English, 86, of Mullins passed away Thursday, September 18, 2014, at Carolinas Hospital System in Marion. He was born on January 5, 1928 in Gibson, North Carolina, the son of the late Sherwood Jackson English and the late Lucile McLaughlin English. Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1950 serving at Wheelus AFB, Tripoli, North Africa, and Pope AFB, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Honorably discharged in August 1954, he entered the University of South Carolina under the GI bill, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism in 3 ½ years. He worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Columbia after graduation, first as a sales representative, then as the Public Relations and Advertising Director, earning numerous national awards in BC/BS advertising. Before retiring, he held the position of Medicare Coordinator for six years. In July 1972, the couple acquired Taylor Insurance Agency in Mullins, and later added Harris & Webster Insurance Service, Inc., and Mullins Insurance Agency. Gene was active in the National Guard and reserves, retiring from USAFR as a Chief Warrant Officer. He was a member of the Greater Mullins Chamber of Commerce and was a former member of the Mullins Rotary Club, holding offices in both. While a member of the Mullins Rotary Club, he became a Paul Harris Fellow. He was an avid South Carolina Gamecock fan and supporter. Gene was predeceased in addition to his parents, by a brother, Sherwood Jackson English, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 63+ years, Jean Claire English; his children, Charles Michael (Teresa) English of Florence, Kimberly English (Ted) Mainer of Mullins and Stuart K. English of Mullins; and his grandchildren, Danae Christine English of Columbia and Kasey Catherine English of Charleston. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, September 21, 2014 in the chapel of Meares Funeral Home with the Reverend Kem Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Red Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Legion, c/o Tom Garrett, 107 Melrose Avenue, Mullins, South Carolina 29574, Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or to the charity of one's choice. A message of condolence for the family may be left at mearesfh.com.