Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Obituary for Gene Ray South (Guest book)
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Welcome to the memorial page for

Gene Ray South

September 7, 1947 ~ March 18, 2015 (age 67) 67 Years Old
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Message from Ann and Glenn Miller
March 29, 2015 9:40 AM

Gene was one of the best folks I have ever met in life.  His down to earth personality, his quick wit, will be missed by all.      Rest In Peace, Gene.    Our prayers and sympathies out to the family.

Ann & Glenn Miller
Brooten, MN
Message from Mary Tonnell
March 28, 2015 8:34 AM

Thinking of during this time of loss. Gene was a great man and always had a smile and a hello for me when I would see him at the golf course.
Message from Russ Simatic - Insperity
March 27, 2015 10:04 AM

Dear South Family,
I had the good fortune of meeting Gene in person only a few years ago.  I knew of him and his accomplishments since good news about good people travels fast in the telecommunications world, but I had never met him until that delightful day.  We discussed several things, business and personal at the Perkins in Buffalo. He was so easy to talk with. his humor was fun and contagious.  I came away feeling like we had known each other forever.  He was a good person and that goodness oozed out of every pour of his being.  Over the past three years we stayed in touch via LinkedIn and he never deviated from being just a "good guy".  
Gene may you rest in peace, and know that world around you cared for you because you cared more for them.
Message from Mickey L Sims
March 27, 2015 9:22 AM

Dear Ida and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Gene's untimely passing and I offer my most sincere condolences and prayers! Everybody is unique.  Gene was just a little more unique than most!  And I mean that in the most complimentary way! He always, always, always exemplified and gloriously personified the term "true friend"!   He possessed and shared that great and sometimes wacky and often quirky but always funny sense of humor! Gene was always concerned and appropriately compassionate to his friends and to his fellow man. They don’t make ‘em like Gene South anymore! I am glad that I was blessed to have had Gene as a true friend!
Message from Norm Heino, Adjutant, St. Cloud Chapter , Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA
March 27, 2015 9:12 AM

On behalf of all combat wounded Veterans, I wish to express condolences.  We do not need to know more than that he was a door gunner with us in Vietnam, to hold him in the highest regard.  He and his like saved many of us, maybe even me.
Message from Jane (Grice) Luutwieler
March 27, 2015 7:40 AM

Gene, wonderful sweet memories fill my heart........playing music together so many times - accompanying you on the piano as you played your new 12-string Baldwin!  Being privileged to surprise you in Las Vegas for your big celebration ...... I've never known a more kind & selfless person........you will never be forgotten, dear friend!  Take courage,  Ida & family; your hero is resting now.  Love, Jane
Message from Lynn Merrill
March 26, 2015 5:14 PM

We are so sorry for your family's great loss.  Gene was loved by many people he knew in Oklahoma.  I always enjoyed my conversations with him throughout the years.  

He had a compassion for the industry, as well as one's personal life.  We never parted our visit without a nice chat and catch-up on family and friends.

I will miss him, knowing some day we will be able to chat again.
Message from Bill Otis
March 26, 2015 4:02 PM

FEATHERY PALM PLANT was sent by Bill Otis .

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. From all Gene's friends at New Telecom

Message from Evelyn Jerden
March 25, 2015 5:33 PM

Ida, I am so sorry for your loss.   In all the years that I have known Gene, he has been such a wonderful leader, businessman, person and friend.  He always was so pleasant to be with and to work with and he will be missed; not only as a leader in the telecommunications industry but as a wonderful person on this earth.  Nothing that I can say will take away the pain of your loss but I want to let you know that Gene touched all of us in such a special way.
Message from Ken & Marta Cole
March 25, 2015 4:36 PM

Ida,
You and your family are certainly in our prayers. What a honor it was for us to know Gene and how he loved his family and life in general. He was always someone I looked up to and respected.
Sincerely,
Ken & Mart
Message from Ronnie and Katherine (Cook) Ballard
March 25, 2015 11:22 AM

Aunt Ida, Glenn, Melody, Suneco, and BJ,

Words are never able to fully express the comfort we would wish our close friends and family after losing their dad / husband.  Just know we are thinking about you and praying that you are able to find comfort and peace.  
Message from Paulette Marshall
March 24, 2015 2:40 PM

Ida and family, I am so sorry for your loss and praying peace on your family. Love you all!
Message from Denise Manke
March 24, 2015 12:09 PM

Ida and family,

I am sorry to hear about Gene's passing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Message from Lloyd & Grace Norgren
March 24, 2015 10:10 AM

Ida and family, Our deepest sympathy to you.  We only knew Gene since this past September at church, he always had a smile and a joke to pass on to others.  We have been blessed to know such a fine man of God.
God's Peace & Love,  Lloyd & Grace
Message from John Stanoch
March 24, 2015 9:39 AM

Ida and Family
I was so sorry to hear of Gene's passing.  As has been mentioned here by others, he was a kind and thoughtful man, a gentleman's gentleman.  With his quick smile and generous nature, he was always welcoming to others, whether in a business setting, on the golf course, or at one of his cookouts serving you a steak as big as your head. He was so proud of his family. He will be greatly missed and I will be thinking of you all in this time of sadness and loss.  May your warm memories of Gene comfort you in the days ahead.
Message from Ken Pyle
March 24, 2015 8:57 AM

Gene was an telecom industry icon. He was humble about his work and his industry leadership. It was a great honor to have him publish for my newsletter last year. It was obvious that he loved his family, country and the people he worked with. I will miss him and so will the industry. Condolences to his family.
Message from Jean & Mike Schreifels
March 24, 2015 8:24 AM

It is never easy to lose someone but at least you know Gene is at peace.   God will take care of him and he will always be remembered and missed.   Gene will be watching his family from above and you should know he will be very proud of all of you.   In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him.

You have our Sympathy
Message from Joann Strand
March 23, 2015 7:51 PM

Ida and family, my deepest sympathy in your loss of a wonderful caring man. I knew Gene only for a few years but what a delight to get to know him! I got to know him as a member of Lake Union Covenant Church and feel so blessed to work with him on a committee to purchase a new LED sign! His deep caring for everyone, his joy of sharing his music CD's, and his smile for everyone will not be forgotten! Love and hugs to all.
Message from Mary Ellen Wells
March 23, 2015 5:25 PM

Gene,
Thank you so much for letting me enter your life, both professionally and personally.  Your upbeat, can-do philosophy and wise advice were something I will always remember and cherish.  Take care, my friend.
Mary Ellen
Message from Catherine and John Duda
March 23, 2015 5:04 PM

Dearest Ida and family,
It is so difficult to say goodbye to such an honorable, compassionate, funny and loving man.  Our times together in Minnesota, at MTA, USTA and OPASTCO events, and in recent years, at our Telecom Friends Reunions, have created so many wonderful memories of Gene and you.  All the golf you have played, the $2 bills exchanged,  all the dinners we have enjoyed, all the shopping trips, and all the laughs. And my how we have laughed. And how he adored you and your children and grandchildren.  His eyes would light up so bright when talking about you all! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you...and that heaven will be a little more fun with Gene there!  Our love and many hugs, John and Catherine
Message from Paul Violette
March 23, 2015 2:44 PM

Dear Ida:
We are so sorry to learn of Gene's passing and offer our condolences and prayers.  You guys were always a lot of fun to be with.  Gene and I spent lots of time together while serving at USTA, NTCA, RTFC & OPASTCO.  I have lots of good stories to tell, especially about golfing. Thanks for sharing good time together.  Sincerely,  Paul Violette, Warner, NH.
Message from Tom Karalis
March 23, 2015 2:44 PM

I only had the pleasure of meeting Gene a few times, but in those brief moments came a lasting memory of a great man.  He will be missed - not only in the Telecom Industry, but more importantly, as a friend to many, including me.

From all of us @ FWA, our sincere condolences to his family.
Message from David Sharbutt
March 23, 2015 2:17 PM

What a guy!!!
I don't know of anyone who was more fun in all situations than Gene South. He worked hard and played hard but no one had more fun. He was serious about doing things right, in business or otherwise, but in a gentle, caring way. What a legacy for his family.. a man with such great character displayed in a loving, enjoyable form.
I carry some $2 bills to remind me of the wagers on "wolf" games and other perversions of golf he invented. A stuffed gorilla (which he awarded me after a tense match) reminds me of his long drives and his seriousness about the game, or at least his seriousness about enjoying the game.
Ida, it has been my pleasure to know you and Gene. My sympathies to you and your family.
Message from Katie Johnson
March 23, 2015 12:07 PM

I am saddened to hear of Gene's death and want to express my sympathy to his family. He was a mentor and friend to me during my years telecommunications industry. He had a big beautiful smile and an even bigger heart. God bless you and his memory.
Message from Joel Dohmeier
March 23, 2015 11:23 AM

I am very sorry to hear of Gene's passing.  Much too young.  I knew and worked with Gene for several years both through our involvement with MTA, the telecommunications industry throughout the years and in particular while I resided in New London, MN from 1994-1996 working with Mid-State Telephone Company.  Gene had a great sense of humor which we all enjoyed, and as stated in the obituary, was extremely involved in the industry as a strong advocate for small telecommunications companies and their customers.  I wish the family my deepest sympathy during this difficult time.  God Bless.
Message from Rose Mary Nelson
March 23, 2015 9:23 AM

I was so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. I have known Gene for several years during  my years in the Telcom industry. I have so much respect for his integrity, honesty and he was a brilliant man. My prayers go out to family and friends of Gene's. He was one class act!
Message from Annie (Standridge )Gibson
March 23, 2015 2:11 AM

Went to church with Gene Ray many years ago. Ida, sorry to hear of Gene's passing.
May God be with you and comfort you and the family during this time.

Annie Gibson
Message from Greg Ludvigsen
March 22, 2015 11:21 PM

Thank you Gene for your friendship and sense of humor.  Our conversations were always fun.  I feel sorry for your family's loss.  Now you can look down and bless all of us.
Message from Red Petersen
March 22, 2015 10:01 AM

Every once in a while someone crosses your path and you feel an immediate and lifelong change.  Gene's friendship, his honor, his humor and his deep caring will be missed and yet with us always.  My prayers and best wishes to Ida and the family.  May God bless Gene on whatever paths he crosses forever.
Red
Message from Anne Christensen
March 20, 2015 10:02 AM

Ida,
Gene was a wonderful man.  He always made me laugh and made me feel special.  He had a way of doing that to everyone. He will be missed.  Our prayers are with you and your family.   Much love and hugs.
Message from Clarice Lorentzen
March 20, 2015 7:44 AM

My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Message from Jack Loch
March 20, 2015 7:18 AM

Ida & family, my deepest sympathy on your loss.  I found Gene to be a gentleman of gentlemen.  It was a pleasure to work with him on the board of directors at the Kimball Golf Club. He always had kind words and a smile that made people feel good.
Message from Mary Gunnerson
March 19, 2015 10:50 PM

Ida and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.9
Message from Thomas Johnson ((Bezza)
March 19, 2015 3:00 PM

Gene, I had a nice talk with you at McDonalds in Annandale on one morning a few months earlier and, you brought up my feelings as I was down with this stroke I have. Thank you Gene. I am sorry you past on at a age it never no one chooses there time to leave our life. You have done a lot to help many people in buisiness. I always appreciated your knowledgable of keeping technology going!  Your family are great people. R.I.P.
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