Eddie "Gene" Lemonds

Mr. Eddie Gene Lemonds, 83, of Fayetteville, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 18, 2026, while attending a routine doctor's appointment.

Born on July 28, 1942, in Troy, North Carolina, Gene was the son of the late Howard Edward Lemonds and Alma Epps Lemonds.

Gene was a man who never shied away from hard work or a challenge. From a young age, he demonstrated remarkable determination and ingenuity. Alongside his brother, he rescued old cars from the junkyard across the street from their home and rebuilt them into race cars, which they proudly raced on weekends at the Hamlet Dirt Track. As a young man, he worked at the pool hall on Robeson Street to earn extra money, developing the strong work ethic that would define his life.

Gene began his career with Bass Heating and Air Castle Construction before becoming a member of the first graduating class of the Heating and Air Conditioning Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College. He went on to enjoy a successful career with Castle Construction, where he earned the respect of coworkers and customers alike. He later retired as Supervisor of Central Utility Plants with Civil Service at Fort Bragg, where his leadership, knowledge, and dedication were highly valued.

Above all else, Gene cherished his family. He was deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren and found his greatest joy in being surrounded by those he loved. Known for preparing holiday meals and sharing his exceptional cooking talents, Gene created countless treasured memories around the family table. Alongside his beloved wife, Carolyn, he was the co-owner and operator of Papa Gene's in Spring Lake, where many came to know and love him simply as “Papa Gene.”

Gene was a faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was also a proud Mason and Shriner, dedicating himself to fellowship, service, and community throughout his life.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his sister, Flossie Kennon.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 63 years, Carolyn Shepperd Lemonds, whom he affectionately called “Honey”; his son, Eddie Lemonds and wife, Mary; his daughter, Cindy Lemonds Hunt and husband, Johnny; bonus daughters, Terri Bieler, Gerri Robinson, and Kim Robinson; bonus son, Mike Robinson; his brother, Robert Lemonds and wife, Pearl; grandchildren, Matthew Lemonds, Johnathan Hunt, Mallory Lemonds, Cody Hunt, Evan Bieler, Owen Bieler, Noah Bieler, and Ryly Bieler; great-grandchildren, Braxton Smith, Oliver Smith, Wyatt Hunt, and Wesley John Hunt; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with burial afterward at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Spring Lake.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Online condolences may be shared at www.jerniganwarren.com.

Gene's legacy of hard work, devotion to family, generosity, and unwavering love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.