William Gene Huscusson…”Paw Gene”…was a man who loved his mountain home in Cartoogechaye Community, more specifically Poplar Cove. After running away from Lawrenceville, Georgia, a town where his mom and dad had recently moved, he resided in North Carolina with his beloved grandmother and attended Franklin High School. Gene enlisted in the Army of the United States soon after his birthday in August, 1945 quickly attaining the rank of corporal. After his honorable discharge, Gene operated several service stations, worked for Van Raalte and Burlington Mills, eventually becoming sole proprietor of the Indian Mound Insurance Agency. Later his son, Harold Huscusson, would partner with Gene and ultimately both would work with the Wayah Insurance Group. Gene was dedicated to his job �" working right up to the day that illness struck him down. In July, 2009, Gene was honored by North Carolina Grange Mutual for his 40+ years with the company. He was given a plaque and certificate by his co-workers at their 75th year celebration held in Greensboro, NC. Although Gene would be described as a self-made man and a work-a-holic, he made time for his church family. Early on, Gene served as Sunday School Superintendent at Cartoogechaye Baptist Church, later moving his membership to Pine Grove Baptist Church where he insisted on studying with the young men’s class because he considered himself, at 82 years of age, too young for the old men’s class. We can all envision his sitting in a church pew, every Sunday morning, surrounded by 3 rambunctious red heads and his very special Julia. Gene spent his leisure time watching NASCAR Races �" pulling for his speedy Fords, spending countless hours traipsing through Appalachia’s alcoves �" searching for and digging the elusive ginseng plant, collecting antique cars �" fully intending to refurbish each to its original splendor, and he always had time to invest in his family and friends. One of the highlights of Gene’s life occurred when the Macon Historical Society invited him to showcase and describe ginseng at Franklin’s annual Heritage Day. Each year, he enjoyed meeting new friends and catching up with all of his former acquaintances who attended this annual event. Gene was ever eager to share info as to how to assist others in completing a project (Would micromanage be too strong a word to use?) and relished the opportunity to lend a helping hand. One pass time that gave Gene enormous pleasure was concocting delectable fudge and the yummiest peanut brittle, all to be shared with his family and his extended network of co-workers and acquaintances. Auggie, his loyal brown spotted rat terrier, accompanied and observed Gene always insisting that every endeavor be approached as a team effort. They participated in all sorts of activities, such as, judging tractor shows, sawmilling tasks, hiking trails, building mountaintop cabins, and even enjoying water sports at Lake Chatuge in Clay County, NC. Both Auggie and Gene were keen on lakeside adventures, especially if it involved grandchildren, Juleigh, Chandra, Adam, or Andrew or that one great-grandson, Zeke, or any friend from their extensive network of acquaintances. Please know that for each and every friend/relative who is reading this announcement, Gene held a special place in his heart for you. And so it is with a heavy heart, unbelieving brain, and slow hand that I find myself addressing this most bittersweet of tasks. Paw Gene has gone on to meet his maker… we, too, will find a moment to meet our Lord. Let’s hope and pray that our days will be just as fun-filled, just as labor intensive, and just as rewarding as those experienced by our dear friend and dad, William Gene Huscusson.

On a personal note, Gene was married to Mary June Bradley, rearing two children, Harold and Peggy. Harold is married to Carolyn Holland Huscusson. His three children are Chandra, Adam and spouse Katy, and Andrew and special friend Chelsea all of Franklin. Carolyn’s twin sister is Marilyn Jones and both have prepared many meals for Paw Gene which kept him fueled. Peggy has one daughter, Juleigh Dowdle who is married to Hank Rogers of Franklin; they have one child, Ezekiel (Zeke) Wade Rogers of Franklin. Two siblings survive, Mary Sue Gunter resides in Lawrenceville, GA and John Arthur Huscusson resides in Dacula, GA. Gene is survived by six nieces and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Our family would like to extend special appreciation to Mary Sue Phillips who is a dear friend of both Gene and Auggie.

Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Greg Rogers, Rev. Steve Reeves and Rev. Robert Dryman will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW Post 7339 and the American Legion Post 108. A private burial will follow. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Chris Stiles, George Williamson, Jimmy Garner, Mike Breedlove, Ronnie Dills, David Huscusson and Bill McGaha. Honorary Pallbearers will be C.D. Jenkins, J.D. Parrish, Chuck Garner, Sonny Burrell, Mack Stanfield, Paul Swanson, Bill England, Chub Patterson and Ermil Cheeks.

In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made to the Macon County Historical Society, 36 West Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734 or Pine Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 7454 Highlands Road, Franklin, NC 28734, or to a charity of your choice.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com

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