WILMINGTON — Gene Autry Todd was born January 29, 1938, and was raised by his parents, Edward Wilbur and Clara Stephens Todd in Wilmington, NC.
Clara’s favorite cowboy was Gene Autry, so her son was first named Autry Todd. Later, she changed his name to Gene Autry Todd. A lot of his Todd family and Stephens family refer to him as Autry while other people call him Gene.
As a young man he enjoyed playing basketball with a beautiful one hand jump shot. His talents were best shown when he made the team at Sunset Junior High School. In his early 40s he coached Silver Lake Baptist Church youth basketball team for 4 years. He taught the fundamentals of playing basketball to his first-year team that did not have much experience. His team grew in talent and stature each year. During the 3rd and 4th year he led his team to win back-to-back championship titles.
Gene owned and operated his own successful retail tire business for 40 plus years known as Gene’s Tire Service. He built his business on honesty and integrity. The new owners bought his business that included his trusted name.
In his retirement years Gene owned Todd’s Used Cars. He enjoyed the challenges of repairing cars and trucks. He stayed busy buying and selling vehicles. Barbara has often said that working on cars kept Gene going past his daily aches and pain. When Gene was asked how he was feeling he would often say, “I always hurt, some days worse than others.” With his car business he met old friends and made new friends by attending the weekly auto auctions.
When he was 19 years of age with a 29-inch waist, he asked Christine Prevatte for her approval to marry her daughter, Barbara Prevatte. Christine agreed with one exception; Barbara had to be 18. A short time later, Barbara turned 18 and 4 days later they were married in Christine’s home. For the next 67 years, they grew together through the good times and storms of life, they continued to love one another.
Gene and Barbara celebrated Charlene becoming a part of their lives followed by the birth of Jean Renee and Troy Kevin.
For over 50 years Gene has been a long-time faithful member of Silver Lake Baptist Church. He was a devoted Christian and honored his walk of faith by helping others around him. Gene’s faith was deep and fervent. Daily he spent time praying while holding his wife’s hands.
Gene is survived by his wife, Barbara Prevatte of 67 years, daughters Charlene (Bob), Jean Renee Todd Merritt, and son, Troy Kevin Todd (Donna), grandchildren Jessica (Wes), Jeremy (Kristin), Brittany (Sean), Micah (Hannah), Kristen, Tyler, Woody, Miranda aka Amanda, great grandchildren Elise, Jayden, Ava, Rhett, Jack, Elliott, Riley, Oaklyn, honorary family members, Danny, Krista.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to donate in Gene’s name to the Silver Lake Baptist Church Missionary Fund, silverlakebaptist.us
Condolences to the family may be sent here.
