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Obituary for Gene Berbette
Gene, born August 14, 1937 died Wednesday, May 10, 2017 after a brief illness. Gene was a native Jacksonian, graduated from Central High School in 1955, attended Millsaps College and graduated from LSU. He joined the Army National Guard and was a member for 6 years. Gene began his career in banking as a bank examiner with the State of Mississippi Department of Bank Supervision. In 1966, he accepted a position with First Citizens Bank in Tupelo where he later became President and CEO. In 1988, after merging with Deposit Guaranty National Bank, Gene was transferred to the Jackson office as Executive VP. In the early 1990’s, he attended Stanford Business School. At the time of his death, Gene had been retired for several years.
He was active in community work and loved helping others. He served as President of the Tupelo Kiwanis Club, United Way and Tupelo County Club. He was chairman of the finance committee as well as serving as Chairman of the Board of North Mississippi Medical Center. Gene was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church and served a term as Junior Warden. While working with DGNB, he was a member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Jackson, Arts Alliance and raised funds for the Boy Scouts of America.
He is preceded in death by brother Don Smythe and uncle Carl McPherson.
Survivors include: wife, Dana Brannen Berbette of Madison; son, Brad Berbette (Juli) of Austin, TX; son, Chris Berbette of Jackson; daughter, Elizabeth Berbette (Eric Toney) of Madison; daughter, Karen Baker (Trevor) of San Raphael, CA; son, Kevin Baker (Vanessa) of San Raphael, CA; grandchildren, Brittani, Bryce and Dylan Berbette, Charlotte, Chris and Jackson Berbette, Grant and Mark Baker. Sisters, Frances Berbette of Philadelphia, PA and Elizabeth Berbette of NJ.
He was thankful for so many of his friends including golf groups, high school classmates and community social friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the chapel of Gray Center Conference Center, 1530 Way Road, Canton, MS 39046. Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM Friday, May 12, 2017 at Sebrell Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
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