Gene Wayne Begor, age 77, died at his home in Hampton, Virginia, on November 25, 2024, after a short period of in-home hospice care. A native of Hampton, Virginia, Gene was born December 22, 1946, to Ira Madison Begor and Lelia (Drummond) Begor.

Gene worked in the convenience store industry his entire career, beginning with a chain of local C-stores in Hampton (Bill Loys Market), to Majik Market (Petroleum World), which had him residing in Little Rock, Arkansas, Birmingham, Alabama, and finally, Shelby, North Carolina until he returned to Hampton, Virginia to work in 7-11 store management.

Gene was an avid reader, particularly of the history of man. From biblical texts to histories from ancient Greece and Rome to European and U.S. histories of the American Civil War and the two World Wars to modern studies of man's impact on the world we live in, he reminded us to know our past to be better prepared to make good choices for our futures.

When he was younger, Gene loved to fish. A solitary quiet activity I think brought him a sense of peace. Once retired, he enjoyed his backyard birds and squirrels and reading on the back deck.

Gene was quick to give new people he met along the way the benefit of the doubt, a fair chance, and was not quick to judge. He made friends with many people over the years in his travels. Some whose lives he impacted in ways that he may never have known, but for which many of us were blessed.

He will be missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jamie Helen Begor.  Also remaining to cherish his memory are daughters, Rebecca Mae Dise and Jamie Helen Begor Zimmer;and grandchildren, John William Dise, Jennifer Casey Wilson, Zachary Gage Wilson, and Molly Ann Charlie Zimmer.

No funeral services will be held, however a celebration of life ceremony for the family is being planned. Service details will be available at a later date at https://www.wjsmithandson.com.