Herbert Eugene "Gene" Paris, Jr.

Herbert Eugene "Gene" Paris, Jr., 73, of Lee County, GA, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at The Willson Hospice House.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Mathews Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm prior to the service.

Gene was born on December 22, 1951, in Montgomery, AL, to the late Herbert Eugene Paris, Sr. and Nellie R. Paris. As a teenager, he moved with his family to Albany, GA, where his father was stationed at Turner Field Air Force Base. Gene graduated from Dougherty High School and joined The United States Air Force. He later lived in Valdosta, GA, for a time before beginning his career with Joseph's Produce Company.

Gene later joined Cleve Wester's Tire Mart, where he worked for many years until his retirement in 2016. Gene was a Baptist by faith and a proud 32nd Degree Master Mason. He was a longtime member of Chehaw Lodge #701, The Scottish Rite Valley of Albany, and Hasan Shriners, where he served on the Director's Staff and, Loyal Order of Moose #1285 and was also a member of The Royal Order of Jesters.

Gene was known for his passion for motorcycles and especially enjoyed riding his Trike. He was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Melba Howard.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Astrid Paris of Smyrna, GA; his sister, Lori Barnett of Albany, GA; his stepsons, Tony (Chris) Prince of Albany, GA, and Jeff Prince of Eatonton, GA; his nephews, Robert John Patton of Richland, GA, and Michael Eugene (Sabine) Patton of Albany, GA; and his niece, Erin McGuire (Richard) Pobgee of Whittlesey, England.

Those desiring may make memorials in memory of Gene to Shriners Hospitals for Children c/o The Hasan Transportation Fund, 1822 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA, 31701.