Dr. Eugene (Gene) O'Neal Hoover, Jr.

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch Dr. Eugene (Gene) O’Neal Hoover, Jr., 61, formerly of Olive Branch, MS, was born April 24, 1962, in Memphis, TN to Eugene Sr. (Neal) and Joanne Hoover, and passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville. Gene was a member of Maples Memorial United Methodist Church in Olive Branch, MS. He graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 1985 and worked at Walgreens for 38 years. During his time at Walgreens, he worked many different roles, and at the time of his passing, he was the Regional Healthcare Director for the Tennessee/West Kentucky region. Gene was also selected to the 2008 School of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumni at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy due to his career accomplishments and professional service. His passion for the pharmaceutical field began while working at Hoover Drug Store in Olive Branch, which was owned and operated by his father. Gene met the love of his life, Debra Kaye Austin, who is also a pharmacist, at Walgreens on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis in 1985, and they were married on June 17, 1988. Together they raised two boys, Austin and Dylan, while spending 35 amazing years together. Gene was a tremendous husband, father, brother, and friend. He truly embodied a Christ-like love with everyone he encountered and made the most of every day. Gene loved spending time with his family, going to Ole Miss games, and taking care of his people. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Rest easy, Gene Hoover. Preceding Gene in death were his parents, Pharmacist Eugene O'Neal Hoover, Sr. and Nurse Joanne M. Hoover, and his father-in-law, John Wayne Austin. He is survived by his wife, Debra Austin Hoover of Franklin, TN; two sons, Austin Hoover of Franklin, TN, and Dylan Hoover (Sarah) of Madison, MS; sister, Debbie Hoover Shaw (Bud) of Olive Branch, MS; mother-in-law, Jimmie Kaye Daniel Austin of Randolph, MS; brother-in-laws, Danny Austin and John David Austin of Randolph, MS. Friends are invited to a visitation with the family on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Maples Memorial United Methodist Church (8745 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS, 38654). A funeral service will be held Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Blocker Cemetery. Friends are invited to a reception following the burial at the church in Wesley Hall. Reverend Kerry Powell and Reverend Neville Vanderburg will officiate. The family asks those wishing to send a memorial donation in Gene's honor, please do so to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor services (LLS). Donations can be made through the website (www.LLS.org) or to P.O. Box 292705, Nashville, TN, 37229. Phone number: 888-557-7177. Memorial contributions may also be made to Maples Memorial United Methodist Church (www.mapleschurch.org). Online Condolences may be made to Gene’s Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.

Dr. Eugene (Gene) O'Neal Hoover, Jr.

April 24, 1962 - September 16, 2023

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