LTC (Ret) Eugene “Gene” Fleming Small was born on December 15, 1931, in Cordell, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Aileen Small and his sister, Judy Bell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Eva Maria Small of Huntsville, Alabama; son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Brandy Small of Exeter, New Hampshire; and two grandchildren, Ella and Nicholas Small of Exeter, New Hampshire.
Gene enjoyed over ninety years on this earth. He grew up in New Mexico then served 27 years in the U. S. Army. While serving, he met wonderful life-long friends, and the love of his life.
After retiring from the military in 1977, they moved to Huntsville where they raised Stephen. After retiring from a second career, Gene and Eva cruised the world together. In recent years he enjoyed spending time with his young grandchildren, Ella and Nicholas. Together, they built rockets, played games, and enjoyed M & M’s.
He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. He was an amazing military officer, husband, father, opa, and friend. We take great peace and comfort in the knowledge that he is walking through eternity with our Heavenly Father.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home in Huntsville, Alabama. The funeral will follow in the chapel. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gene’s honor to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (gifts.mdanderson.org).
