Gene Counts

Gene Louis Counts, 82, of Prosperity, died Saturday, July 15, 2023 at his residence.

Born on August 13, 1940 in Prosperity, he was a son of the late Clarence Boyd “Red” and Nell Long Counts.

He was a graduate of Mid-Carolina High School and was the Most Valuable Player for the Basketball Team his senior year. Mr. Counts was a retired carpenter, and worked for Lee Dominick, James Lee Dominick, and Claude Lake Dominick. He was a life-long member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he served as an usher, starting at the age of 18. Gene loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and planting a garden. As a child, he loved picking blackberries for his mother, so she could make homemade jelly. In his later years, Gene enjoyed watching Clemson Football on television and spending time on his front porch, watching the deer and wild turkeys.

He is survived by his sister, Rachel Counts of Prosperity; a brother, Wayne B. (Mary Grace) Counts of Americus, GA; nieces, Alice Counts,who was his dedicated caregiver; Marie (Lisa) Spell, and Cynthia (Joe) Pope; nephews, Ronald Counts and Wayne B. (Diana) Counts, Jr.; great-nieces, Tara (David) Lawson, Nell White, and Kayley (Noble) Counterman; great-nephews, Dalton (LeAnn) Counts and David Counts; and great-great-nieces and nephews, Mason, Little Gene, Leah, Reid, Remy, and Lauren.

He was predeceased by brothers, Jimmy R. Counts and Von L. Counts; a niece, Alicia Counts; and a great-nephew, Cameron.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at Bethel Baptist Church by the Rev. Mike Townsend. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service in the church sanctuary.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 2503 Bethel Church Road, Prosperity, SC 29127 or to Healthwell Foundation, 20440 Century Blvd., Ste. 250, Germantown, MD 20874.

Active pall bearers will be Bryan Counts, Doug Warren, Jr., Benji Bouknight, Dalton Counts, Joe Pope, and David Lawson.

The family would like to thank his caregiving team, MSA Home Health Hospice, his Physical Therapist, Marina Fulmer, and his nurse Tristen Lever for their kindness and compassion.