Eugene "Gene" Werts began life on October 26, 1937 in Winston-Salem, NC and concluded on January 16, 2014. The Atkins High School graduate was named All City/County, All-District, All-Conference and All State in the Negro AAA (NCNHAA) basketball leagues for three consecutive years, 1955, 1956 and 1957 leading his team to a 19-1 season and winning the state AAA High School Tournament.

"Gene" was the beloved brother of Bobbie Clark, Edna Mae Werts Robinson, Thurmond "Butch" Werts (Manetta) & Hattie Ruth Werts of Winston-Salem, NC; devoted husband to Edith Werts of St. Thomas, USVI; dearest father of Jennifer Werts Wade (Steven) and adored grandfather of Jabare Blakely and Sydnie Wade of Chicago, IL.

Memorial services will be held at 5pm Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.