Mr. Gene Lenford “Papa” Chisum, a resident of the Ewell Community went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday afternoon, October 21, 2024, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was 91 years old.

Funeral services for Mr. Chisum will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 24, 2024, from Chalkhead Baptist Church with Reverend Michael Woodham and Reverend Leon Adams officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at Chalkhead Baptist Church Wednesday evening from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

Gene was born on December 12, 1932 in Covington County to the late James S. and Gussie M. Chisum. He served in the United States Army National Guard which included the Korean Conflict. He met and fell in love with Glenda Short, they were married and together they raised three children, Joel, Sandra, and Mark. Gene and Glenda built a life together for over 67 years before her homegoing in October 2020. Gene started selling insurance with Southern Life and Health for over 35 years and retired with Liberty National in 1995. Upon retiring Gene and Glenda along with Mark moved from Pensacola, Florida to Ewell and made this their home. During this time, he became Papa to everyone he met. Gene was a faithful member and Deacon to Chalkhead Baptist Church until health reasons would not allow him to attend. Gene “Papa”, loved his family, church, community, fishing with his sons Joel and Mark, sharing many cups of coffee with daughter Sandra and short track racing. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife, Glenda Chisum; grandson, Greg Chisum and brother James C. Chisum.

Survivors include two sons, Joel (Michele) Chisum and Mark Chisum; one daughter, Sandra (John) Dykes; grandchildren, MaLeah (Mike) Hill, Brad (Melissa) Chisum, Sonya (Kevin) Chance; great grandchildren, Madison Hill, Cade Holbrook, Mallory Chisum, Mackenzie (Bryan) Blecher, Nathan Hill, Drew Chance, Camden Chisum, Caleb Chisum, Brandi (Shane) Irwin, Steele Jackson; great-great grandchildren, Everliegh Chisum and Grayson Chisum; sister, Barbara (Richard) Rawls; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Hawkins and Kathy Short; and caregiver and dear friend, Sandy Henderson.