Deacon Eugene Hearst

Eugene Ellis Hearst, a beloved husband, much loved father, and cherished grandfather was called into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at High Shoals Health and Rehabilitation in Bishop, GA.  He heard the death angel singing, and he answered I’m Free Praise the Lord I’m Free. As a bundle of joy, he was born May 29, 1952, in Lincolnton, GA to the late Mr. and Mrs. Coleman (Lessie Mae Hearst) Bussey.

Eugene was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ.  He accepted Him as his Personal Savior at an early age in life and united with Prices Grove Baptist Church.  He was active in his church and worked very faithfully until his demised. He was ordained as a deacon and served as the chairman of the Deacon Board. Eugene attended school in the Lincoln County Public School System.

Eugene was affectionally known to family and friends as Joe Lewis. He was dedicated to the United States of America and served 20 plus years in the National Guard Army. He was gainfully employed as a truck driver over 45 years and his CB handle was “Smokey Joe”.

Eugene meet his wife, Gwendolyn Loraine Jones, the love of his life and married her on Sept 2, 1972 at Prices Grove Baptist Church. They were the first couple to be married at Prices Grove Baptist Church. 

Eugene was proceeded in death by his wife, Gwendolyn Hearst, and his son, Dennis Davis.

He will be greatly missed and survived by his four loving children,  Jessica “Black Gal” (Marlon) Norman of Athens, GA, Joseph “Rabbit” Hearst of Augusta, GA, Jasmine “Black Baby” Hearst of Savannah, GA, and Martha Davis of Lincolnton, GA; five grandchildren, Jemarian “Santa Claus” Hearst, Jordyn “Lessie Mae” Hearst, Jeremiah ’Tater Bug” Gresham all of Athens, GA, Troy “Rock” Davis of Lincolnton, GA,  and Mallory “Cupcake” Walker of Atlanta, GA;  four sisters, Bernice Bush of Lexington, NC, Sarah (Boykin) Harris and Brenda (Harold) Bennett, Evangelist Pasty (Prophet Michael) Kennebrew all of Lincolnton, GA; three brothers, Marvin Bussey, and Jessie Bussey, both of Lexington, NC, and Norris Bussey of Lincolnton, GA; a sister-in-law, Patricia Bethea Curtis of Lincolnton, GA; a devoted aunt, Susie Barksdale; and a host of god-children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.