Wesley Gene Antwine

Wesley Gene Antwine,78, of Kinston, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville with his loving companion, Susan (Baby Doll) by his side.

He was born and raised in Jacksonville, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Leroy and Estelle Morton Antwine and brother, Ronnie Antwine.

Gene was well-known for his love of Bluegrass Music.   He was President of the Kinston Bluegrass Association for many years.   He sang, played the guitar and wrote many songs- some of which were recorded by well-known artists.  One of which he was most proud of is “God’s Highway” sung by Leon Morris

Gene was retired from the United States Army, after serving 20 years.  He was in the ASA, Army Security Agency with Military Intelligence.  He was a Vietnam War Veteran.  He had been stationed all over the world – Vietnam, Okinawa, Germany; as well as stateside in Ft. Devens, Massachusetts and El Paso, Texas to name a few.

Due to serving in the Army, he had a gruff, no nonsense, tell it like it is; sometimes sarcastic attitude, which most people couldn’t/wouldn’t get past to see the real person.  But beneath it all, he was a very good, loving man with a Big Heart.

Gene loved his family most of all.  He is survived by his longtime companion and fiancée, Susan of the home; sons, Allen Kenneth Antwine of Washington, Wes Antwine Jr. of Massachusetts and Ron Smith of New York; daughters, Susan Antwine of Mass., Kimberly Simard (Bill), Nicole O’Leary (Eric) of New Hampshire, Ashley Lewis (Joshua) of Grifton, Kayla Smith (John) of Kinston, and Lauren Smith (Erick) of Deep Run.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Arianna, Kayla, Liam, Eric, Turner, Rex, Alice, Walter, Zane, Lucy, Biatrice, Emery, Felix and Mary Emma; brother, Wilbur Antwine (Marion) of Pennsylvania and his little chihuahua, Candy Gene Antwine.

Gene was very loved and will be missed so much.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Pink Hill Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or towards the funeral costs.

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