James Eugene “Gene” Lovejoy, 80, of Ranger, WV, departed this life on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, WV.

He was born March 6, 1945, at Allen, WV, a son of the late Ronel and Victoria Smith Lovejoy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Christopher Lovejoy; and one sister, Carolyn Brewster.

Gene retired from Marsh Allen Industries as a machinist. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing on the Great Lakes and hunting. Not only was the great outdoors a retreat for Gene, but his garage also served as a sanctuary, a place where he spent countless hours tinkering, creating, and fixing whatever captured his interest. Above all, he valued the time spent with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his companion and mother of his children, Gloria Lovejoy; his children, Ronald (Annette) Lovejoy, Tina Lovejoy (Joe), Terry Lovejoy, and Sandra (Darrell) Beach; his grandchildren, Shawn (Kristy), Jessica (Freeman), Tommy (Jackie), Justin (Katie), James (Kelly), Brittany, Kaylee, Megan (Tim), Michael (Brittany), Terry, Kayla (Kevin), and Catherine (Matt); 27 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; his siblings, Barbara Myers, Ronnie (Deloris) Lovejoy, Johnny (Edith) Lovejoy, Denise (Romey) Lovejoy, Ronald G. (Lori) Lovejoy, and Kevin (Angela) Lovejoy; his brother-in-law, Roger Brewster; and his best friend, Brent Moyers. Additionally, Gene leaves behind many nieces and nephews along with a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 8, 2025, at Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV, with Rev. Paul Stevens officiating.

Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill, WV. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.