Eugene “Gene” Odell Foster, 71, departed this life on Thursday, March 24, 2016.

After a long fought battle, he passed peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, Janet Watson Foster, and their five children.

As a young team, Gene worked at the side of a special uncle, Jack James, who taught and instilled in him a love of electronics. Gene went on to join the U.S. Army and earned the rank Sergeant E-5 and worked as a radio relay technician. Later, Gene pursued his love of music and electronics by building his own recording studio, Magic City Recording, and opening his own music store, The Sound Center Inc. In 1979, Gene purchased Studio in the Country where he was the chief audio engineer for 20 years. Gene and the studio earned many awards and made their mark in the music industry.

Even though he found his success in his various business ventures, nothing brought him greater pride and joy than his children and grandchildren. He was looking forward to the birth of his fifth grandchild in September.

He was preceded in death by parents, Jewel Foster and Samuel Foster; three brothers, Milton Foster, Charles Ray Foster and Samuel Foster Jr.; and one sister, Debbie Van Norman.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 49 years, Janet Foster; five children, Patrick D. Foster, Tami Foster Schilling, Jordan (Cooley) Foster, Ashley (Justin) Foster McQueen and Alli (Steven) Foster Johnson; four grandchildren, Seth and Sydney Schilling, Edi Foster and Reese Johnston; one brother, Donnie Foster; three sisters, Laverne (Gary) Foster Hutson, Gloria (Huey) Foster Mizell and Brenda Diane Foster May; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was a devoted member of Ben’s Ford Baptist Church, where services will be held Saturday, March 26. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. until the funeral services at 4 p.m. Officiating will be Bro. Lynn Martin, Bro. Jimmy Byrd and Bro. Caleb Martin.

Interment will be at Smith Cemetery.