Gene Stage

Gene Stage of Ponte Vedra Beach went peacefully to his heavenly home on July 24,2025, with his loving family by his side. Gene was born in Elwood ,Indiana on April 3, 1935. Gene was married to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jeannece Caroline Fihe, for over 35 years before she passed away October 18, 1990. Gene married Jeannece in the winter of his freshman year at the University of Miami where he was attending on a basketball scholarship. The basketball players were not allowed to marry while on scholarship, but the coach made an exception for Gene and Jeannece because Gene was so homesick for his sweetheart. They raised four children, Jennifer (Rodolfo Engmann), Michael (Debbie White), Elizabeth (John Peele) and Amy (Carey Bettis). In 1995, Gene was inducted to the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

Gene was a teacher for Coral Park High School in Miami and coached both men’s and women’s varsity basketball. He worked for Dade County Schools for 35 years, teaching physical fitness and health. His former students would often come to visit him after his retirement. In retirement Gene enjoyed playing golf and tennis at the Oak Bridge Golf and Tennis Club. He excelled at those sports as well with at least one hole-in-one and won the Master-the-Pastor Charity Tournament.

Gene enjoyed being a grandfather and had eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. He had a sweet tooth and shared sweets with them all. Gene lived a beautiful life after humble beginnings. He will be remembered forever for his endless generosity, kindness, compassion and concern for others. His capacity for love was boundless. Gene greatest desire was always to be there for his family and friends. A shared smile and an encouraging word of support was the gift he gave to everyone he met.

A private family service will be held at a later date.