James Eugene "Gene" Starling

Mr. James E. “Gene” Starling, 85 passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2015 in his home.

Gene was born in Cumberland County on December 30, 1929 to the late Thomas Jefferson Starling and Ella Jane Mason Starling. He attended Edwards Military Institute in Salemburg and served in the US Air Force for four years. Gene served and retired from Cumberland County as a Deputy Sheriff and was a former Press Room Operator for the Fayetteville Observer and the Miami Herald. He was owner and operator of Gene’s Exxon Gas Station in Hope Mills, a member of Hope Mills United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school, a member of the Masonic Lodge #391 in Hope Mills and was a Shriner. He served for many years as the Precinct Chairman for the Democratic Party for Hope Mills #2. Gene was a loving father and husband and a friend to all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Annie Ruth Starling; daughter, Ann Bowers and her husband, Ken of Fayetteville.

Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, September 19, 2015 in Hope Mills Cemetery on Legion Rd. with the Reverend Joe Gerald officiating and Mr. Keith Barbour as the violinist.

The family wishes to send a very special thank you to Pauline and Sylvia for all the loving care they provided over the recent years. They would also like to express their gratitude to 3HC for their care and support. Finally, the family wishes to express their appreciation to the Cotton Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance and kindness over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304.