Funeral services for Richard Eugene “Gene” Shores Sr., 87, of Vernon, Fla., were held Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Eastside Baptist Church in Vernon, Fla.

Interment followed at Hard Labor Cemetery near Chipley, Fla.

Born July 18, 1922, in the Hard Labor Creek community of Washington County, Fla., Mr. Shores died on Sunday Jan. 31, 2010.

Mr. Shores was a veteran of World War II, serving in the European Theater. He trained at Camp Blanding, Fla., and Fort Campbell, Ky. He advanced to the rank of staff sergeant. His disembarkment to Europe was from Boston and embarkment was in LeHarve, France, as the Allies of the 20th Armored Division fought through France, Belgium and into Germany. In Germany, his division liberated the Nazi Concentration Camp of Dachau on April 29, 1945. After the war, he returned to Washington County and did construction work and farmed. In the 1950s, he began working for the Florida Forestry Service. Health issues resulting from this career caused his retirement in the 1970s. His rural farm upbringing and love of farming remained with him throughout his life. He was known in his community for his watermelons, pumpkins, okra, corn and peas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Myra Jean Shores; four brothers, Isaac, Joe, Ira and Billy Shores; and a sister, Becky Blue.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Pauline Russ Cook-Shores of Vernon, Fla.; his sons, Richard “Ricky” Eugene Shores Jr. and Gregory Shores; daughters, Sue Broom, Faye Cope of Chipley, Fla., Pam Cates of Vernon, Amy Pelham of Bainbridge; stepsons, George Baragona of Tallahassee, Fla., and Tommy Cook of Vernon, Fla.; a brother, Daniel Shores of Parker, Fla.; sisters, Thelma Sapp of Callaway, Fla., Frances Fussell and Helen Pippin, both of Chipley, Fla.; a sister-in-law, nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Brown Funeral Home in Chipley, Fla., was in charge of arrangements.