Our condolences to the England family, the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, and the Beckley Fire Department of West Virginia. Fire Chaplain Dr. Raleigh 'Gene' England II, 59, Deputy Chief / Fire Chaplain for the Beaver and Beckley Fire Departments died Saturday October 28, 2006. Gene was attending a weekly meeting on Thursday October 19, 2006 in the capacity of Co-Coordinator of the Crisis Response Team, when he left for a lunch break after complaining of feeling ill. Shortly after he suffered a stroke. Gene passed away from the injury at his home on Saturday October 28, 2006.

     Gene was a retired firefighter/paramedic of Portsmouth, Virginia and a United States Navy veteran. He was also pastor of Grace Gospel Church in Beaver, served as a Christian Counselor, and was a member of the Ethics Committee at Raleigh General Hospital.

     Our brother Gene leaves behind his wife, Betty, and his two daughters, Lisa Fetters and Crystal Schrader. Calling hours for Gene will be held on Monday October 30, 2006 5-9PM at Smathers Funeral Chapel in Rainelle. A funeral service for Gene will be held Tuesday October 31, 2006 11AM at Church of God Family Worship Center in Beckley, followed by a burial at Wickline Cemetery in Meadow Bridge.