Gene Kimball

Gene Paul Kimball went to be with the Lord at the age of 76. A resident of Pass Christian (DeLisle) since 2005, Gene and his wife Nancy moved to the Gulf Coast to retire and be with their son, Scott Kimball and his family.
Gene is survived by his wife Nancy, his three Sons; Scott, Michael, and Matthew, their wives; Deanne, Katie, and Karen, and six grandchildren; Andrew (and his wife Abigayil), Aubrey, Braedon, Jackson, Ruby, and Briggs. He is also survived by his two younger brothers, Jim and Jack Kimball along with beloved nieces and nephews.
Gene was born in Kansas but moved as a young boy with his family to New Mexico as his father worked for the Santa Fe railroad. He grew up in Albuquerque and played baseball for Sandia High School where his pitching took the team to the state championship.
Gene married Nancy Grant of Albuquerque in 1963 and worked for Paris shoes. They had three boys while in Albuquerque before job opportunities took them to Tuscon, AZ for a short stint then on to California for three years and then to Spokane, WA where Gene's management skills propelled him further in his retail career.
Gene loved all kinds of sports from baseball and other team sports to the outdoor sports like camping, fishing and hunting. While Gene's first love was baseball, his sport of choice later in life was golf.
Gene's love for golf started in early adulthood. He spent many hours learning and practicing the game. While in Spokane, Gene played in several amateur tournaments while also teaching his wife and three boys the fundamentals of the game. In 1985 the family moved back to New Mexico and Gene worked in the wholesale shoe business and then selling business machines. Gene continued to play golf and began the process of qualifying for the senior tour.
Gene survived a stroke in 1995 that dashed any hopes of a professional career as a golfer. He learned to overcome the effects of the stroke and continued to play the game. Gene took the opportunity to coach the golf team at Mesilla Valley Christian school in Las Cruces, NM. The team took his instruction and they went all the way to the state championship. Some of the young men still kept in touch with him.
After Hurricane Katrina, Gene volunteered at The Oaks golf course to help in the cleanup. He was offered a job in the pro shop after many weeks of helping. His experience in retail helped to get the course back in good shape again and his friendly manor gained him many friends in the local area and especially in the local golf community.
Gene was an ordained Baptist pastor and served for several years as a chaplain at the hospital and nursing homes, as well as supply pastor when needed in Las Cruces, NM. After moving to Pass Christian, Gene served with his son Scott as an Elder at Bible Fellowship Church and was honored as Elder Emeritus.
A memorial will be held at Bible Fellowship Church located at 7030 Menge Ave, Pass Christian, MS for Gene on July 1, 2017 from 3-4PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org, or the charity of your choice. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln Delisle Rd, Pass Christian is serving the family.
Online tributes can be made at www.riemannfamily.com