Zollie Eugene Lucas

Zollie Eugene ‘Gene’ Lucas, Jr, 87, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 25, 2017. Mr. Lucas was a true southern gentleman with the heart of a servant. Those qualities were exemplified by his service to his country and his church. He was enlisted in the Dixie Division of the MS National Guard for three years where he prepared to fight in Korea. Many years later he followed his heart and served in the capacity of lay reader in the Church of Redeemer from 1981-2005. Upon retirement from his job as manager at Coast Cigar Company, he started his own business, ZEL Maps, which he owned and operated until 2005. Throughout his long life and career, his family was his pride and joy. His love for his family was evident to all who knew him. He took pride in being a great father and worked hard to set the example that hard work and love are cornerstones of a great life. Born in Jackson, MS, on February 14, 1930, he was a coast resident for more than 55 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lila and Zollie Lucas, Sr.; a brother, Bobby; and a sister, Mary Nell; his two beloved sons-in-law, Jim Posey and Mike Cartrett. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Dorothy; his three daughters, Mary Cartrett, Donna Posey, and Melissa Lucas; a grandson, Randy (Jeanne) Gray; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., with a memorial service at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi, MS. Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Collins City Cemetery in Collins, MS. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any charity, such as St. Jude’s, in his memory.