Gene Norris Ennis, Sr., 95, of Crisfield, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home.

Born in Crisfield on May 23, 1929, he was a son of the late Norris J. Ennis and Aldeen Wharton Long. His wife, Shirley Faith Gray Ennis, preceded him in death on August 31, 2020.

A graduate of Crisfield High School class of 1946, Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1947 and served until his retirement in 1970.  Following retirement, he was a self-employed waterman and upholsterer.

Active in his community, he was a member and past Finance Officer of the Stanley Cochrane American Legion Post #16 in Crisfield, member and past Trustee of the Crisfield Elks Lodge BPOE #1044, and was past General Chairman of the National Hard Crab Derby.  He was also Historian of the 509th Bomb Wing – Pease AFB, NH.

In his spare time, Gene loved coin collecting, sports, and horse racing.

He is survived by his children, David Ennis and wife Cris of Tyrone, GA, Douglas Ennis of Columbus, OH, Patrick Ennis and wife Regina of New Egypt, NJ, and Gregory "Tigger" Ennis and wife Lee Ann of Crisfield; stepson, John T. Paro, Jr. and wife Vicki of Crisfield; stepdaughter, Mona Paro of Port Alleghany, PA; brothers, Thomas Long and wife Janet of Allen, MD and Norris Ennis and wife Libby of Seaford, DE; sisters, Lillian Gittings of Salisbury and Gloria Wroten of Crisfield; sister-in-law, Joyce Long of Tennessee; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Gene Norris Ennis, Jr.; and brothers, Bobby Long and Donnie Ward.

A Memorial Service at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 2 PM with a visitation from 1-2. Rev. Helga Zoe Hatcher will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Crisfield Elks Lodge Post #1044 or to the Stanley Cochrane American Legion Post #16.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.