M. Gene Gell

M. Gene Gell died Wednesday, Oct. 15th under the care of Hospice at the Bay Pines VA. Mr. Gell was born on November 11th, 1930 in Detroit, MI and would spend his youth growing up in Owosso, MI. At the age of 21 he enlisted in the United States Army and went off to serve his country during the Korean War. Serving honorably till 1953, he returned home and moved his family to St. Petersburg. Mr. Gell took on many challenges throughout the years including owning an outboard marine repair shop, serving 13 years on the St. Petersburg Fire Department as a Lieutenant and building a successful Allstate Insurance agency for over a decade. Although he accomplished quite a lot and financial success was important to him, his true pride was his family. An avid outdoorsman Gene spent the majority of his free time in and on the water with his wife, two sons, and later on grandchildren. An accomplished angler and spear-fisherman, he loved everything the Gulf of Mexico had to offer. Whether it was treasure hunting in the Florida Keys or Grouper fishing off Cedar Key, he never missed a chance for an offshore adventure. During the 80's and 90's Gene was a mainstay in the Tampa Bay tarpon community and competed successfully for almost two decades. Survivors include his wife Shar; son Kurt; brother Lee; daughters-in-law, Debra and Pat, four grandchildren, Jason, Randy, Brian and Kurt-Allen; and four great-grandchildren. We love you Gene,…our husband, our father, our grandfather and friend. Keep Ralph company till we all meet again as we will keep you evermore in our hearts and minds.