James "Gene" Eugene Trout

James Eugene "Gene" Trout WEST COLUMBIA -James Eugene "Gene" Trout of West Columbia, passed away quietly on 10/9/17 with family by his bedside. He was born in Forest City, NC, on 9/14/24 to Emma Pugh and James Trout. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Dawn Harrison Trout, daughter, Donna Trout Duck, grandson Jay Branham, great-grandson Dillon (Katie) Branham and great-great-granddaughter Elena Branham who was born in July He thought she hung the moon and said his biggest regret was that he would miss seeing her grow up. He is also survived by his sister, Edith Worthy of Saluda, SC, his brother Johnnie Trout of Saluda, SC, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, father, stepfather, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He was dedicated to his family and loved all of them very much. He served in the US Navy in the Seabees Division during World War II, stationed in the South Pacific. One of his many sayings was "I was born in the USA and raised in the South Pacific." He said "everything was an adventure back then" and he remembered it fondly. Gene was a hard working man all his live, and the owner and operator of Trout Distributing Company for 60+ years, only retiring in 2015 after an illness. He enjoyed the business and was always known as being fair and honest in his dealings with everyone. People loved being around him because of his outgoing nature and good sense of humor. He never met a stranger and was a good friend of many, including his best friends and golfing partners Dan Gibson and Harry Snipes who predeceased him many years ago. We heard many tales of their adventures on and off the golf course. He was an avid golfer until his knees would not allow him to continue. He also loved working in his yard everyday while he was healthy and always kept it beautiful. He spent many hours laying rocks along the pond and creek and took great satisfaction in the result. The family would like to thank his very caring nurses and CNA's on 8th Avery at Palmetto Baptist, and his special caregiver in the home, Bobby Cannon. We would also like to especially thank Dr. Eddie Williams, his doctor and special friend, for all his many years of care. There will be a private family memorial at a later date.