William Eugene “Gene” Orren, 72

William Eugene “Gene” Orren, 72, of Mills River, died on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Campus in Asheville. He was born July 25, 1946 in Statesville; a son of the late Mason Eugene and Katherine Sharpe Melton Orren.

He lived most of his life in Henderson County and was a 1966 graduate of West Henderson High School. He was a self-employed grading contractor. He enjoyed wildlife preservation, hunting, fishing, and Nascar.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mahala Shipman Orren; a daughter, Bridgett Orren Brudever and her husband Robert of Canton, GA; a sister, Judy Souther and her husband Gary of Fletcher; a granddaughter, Macie Elizabeth Brudever; a niece, Mary Souther Cruse of Fletcher; as well as numerous great nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Reverend Richard Merck officiating. The family will receive friends 11:00 – 11:45 am prior to the service at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude - http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=5632597&fr_id=39300&pg=personal.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.