Gene Arthur Wilhelm, 59, of Brattons Run, Goshen, and formerly of Iron Gate, Virginia, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 24, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. He died at home with his family by his side.

Gene was born February 27, 1947 in Clifton Forge, Virginia, a son of the late Thurman and Joyce Davidson Wilhelm. He was in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division, completing a tour of duty in the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division. He was a self employed barber in St. Petersburg, FL for seven years, before moving back to Virginia, where he was employed as a barber at Virginia Military Institute for five years. An avid hunter and fisherman, he loved the outdoors. He was a member of Buckmasters, the VFW Post # 15048, the American Legion Post #. 0141, and Goshen Baptist Church.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his wife of thirty-nine years, Frances Showalter Wilhelm of Goshen, three sons Gene Arthur Wilhelm, II and his wife Amy of Clifton Forge, Lloyd Wayne Wilhelm of Iron Gate, and Dustin "Dusty" Lee Wilhelm and wife Linda of Clifton Forge, one brother, Thurman Gary Wilhelm and wife Betty of Bratton Run, one sister, Deborah "Debbie" Cooksey and Mike Haney of Lake Worth, Fl, five grandchildren, Sierra Paige, Austin Wayne, Oliva, Gaige, and Laken Nicole, a dear aunt, Betty Luers of St. Petersburg, FL, special friend and fellow Vietnam Veteran Paul Snyder of Goshen, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 2:00 PM in Goshen Baptist Church, Goshen, Virginia, with Reverend Scott Reese and Roy Carter officiating. A private graveside ceremony will be held later in the day for the immediate family. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, Virginia and other times at the Wilhelm residence in Brattons Run, Goshen.

To send condolences to the family online, please register at http://www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.