Eugene Payne Gipson

Eugene Payne Gipson was born to Gloria Davis and Chester McClain.

Eugene spent the first twelve years of his life living with grandparents Exie B. and Nathaniel Gipson. He went to live with Richard and Gloria Davis after turning twelve.

He was educated in the Kansas City, Kansas school system. He attended Lincoln and Franklin elementary schools in the Argentine area. Then he attended Hawthorne Elementary and Northwest Junior High School. Finally, he graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1971. Eugene received a basketball scholarship from the University of the Ozarks. In 1972, he was drafted by the US Army. He became a member of the Arkansas National Guard. He returned from service and finished his degree in 1976 with a Bachelor's in physical education and a minor in social studies.

Eugene taught social studies in Sedalia Missouri for two years. He went on to work for Arkansas Best Freight Trucking company. Then he taught as a substitute teacher in the USD 500 school district. After subbing, he worked at Kramers Office Builder. He then worked at Precision Office Builder.

He was baptized at Second Baptist Metropolitan in Argentine by Rev. Roy Reed as a child and recently he recommitted himself to Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Phyllis Gipson. They were high school sweethearts and had three children: Erica Cade, Ebony de Souza (Salomon), Eugene J. Gipson (April), From those children he had six grandchildren: Ricee Cade, Erick Cade, Eternity Gipson, Jaxson Cade, Gabrielle de Souza, and Casimir de Souza. He is survived by three siblings: Bernadine Henderson (Melvin), Michael Davis (Linda), and Richard Davis Jr. He had a host of nieces, nephews and cousins that loved him as well. Eugene was blessed with a lifelong friend in Larry Bassett as well.

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