William Gene Autry, 79, of Columbia, died Thursday, November 16, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Born April 15, 1938 in Chesterfield County, he was the son of the late John H. and Irene Melton Autry. Gene was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and the Dutch Fork Masonic Lodge. He retired from Anderson Armored Car and was the former owner of Gene's Recap and Tire on North Main Street in Columbia. He never met a stranger, loved conversation and adored his family.

In addition to his parents, Gene is predeceased in death by his loving wife of more than 40 years, Shirley Bowman Autry; sister, Caree Howard; brother-in-law, Randy Howard; nephew, Butch Howard, and a great granddaughter. He is survived by his daughters, Crystal Alexander, Sharon Autry, Sandra Grice (Ed); sons, Tommy Taylor, Harold "Dink" Taylor, James "Marty" Taylor; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Mr. Autry will be held 1 o'clock, Tuesday November 21st, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive in Columbia, with Rev. Ervin Register officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12 o'clock. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Palmetto Health Heart Hospital, 6 Richland Medical Park Drive, Columbia, SC 29203; or to the Alzheimer's Association, Midlands Area Office, 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 210, Columbia, SC 29210.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Jenny Weatherford and the staff at Twilite Manor Adult Residential Care for their friendship and compassion.