Everett Eugene Force, Sr, 82, of Yulee, Florida and San Isidro, Alajuela, Costa Rica, died Sunday, January 8, 2023, at Hospital Mexico in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Celebration of life will be held 2 PM, Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the property of Paul Gibbs [fellow member of men’s group, Iron Sharpens Iron] with the Rev. Don Spires [of Brunswick, Georgia] officiating. The address for the celebration of life is 95447 Tammy Trail, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 [which may also be identified as 95447 Flatwoods Trail, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034].
Gene was born November 2, 1940, in Waycross, Georgia, to the late Robert Eugene Force and Louise Blocker-Force. Gene was raised as a young teen by his paternal grandmother of Valdosta, Georgia, Beulah Gornto Force, and also by his Uncle Everett Gornto Force whom was his namesake. His birth father was taken from him at six months old in a tragic car accident in Waycross, Georgia. At age five, his mother married Rudolph Benjamin Turk (Papa Rudy). He was moved around a lot due to Papa Rudy’s career with the railroad. He attended Valdosta High School, Americus High School, and Rochelle High School where he was an avid football player at all schools. He graduated from Rochelle High School [now WCHS] in 1958. After high school he joined the Army and then worked for insurance sales until the time he was called to ministry in the summer of 1972 by the Lord. Gene attended Mobile College [now University of Mobile] from 1972-1976 graduating in 1976 with a BA degree in Religion; minors in English and Sociology. He then attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1976-1979 graduating with a Masters degree of Theology. After that he studied for the Doctor of Ministry in evangelism and church growth degree. Gene founded World Wide Christian Ministry Centers. Before his death he was Embassy Mission-Ministry Center founder in Costa Rica where he ministered. He also ministered and taught around the world including his brothers in Christ of Africa, EMI [Embassy Ministries International]. Gene pastored six churches during his 51 years of ministry and continued teaching and preaching the love of Jesus until the day he went to his Heavenly home.
He is survived by his three daughters, Tamra Gene Force of Yulee, FL, Traci R. Smith of Yulee, FL and Alondra Jimenez Sanchez of Jacksonville, FL; and son, Everett Eugene Force, Jr.; grandchildren: Trey Prater (Danielle) of Mobile, AL, Heather Force-Beecher (Jabo) of Hazlehurst, GA, Meaghan Holt Dalton (Aaron) of Yulee, FL, Zac Smith of Naples, FL, and Madison Smith of Yulee, FL; great-grandchildren: Lanie, Kinley, Ellygrace, Tenley, Karrington, Kambree, Rhett, Easton, Delilah and Kyree; two sisters, Susan Paulk (Bobby) of Ocilla, GA and Pam Glover (Larry) of Columbus, MS; and brother, Ben Turk of Columbus, GA. In addition to his parents and step-father, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Naomi Clark Force; a granddaughter, Jaci Kate Smith; a sister, Sandra Fussell of Fitzgerald, GA and his maternal grandmother, Mamie Robitzsch-Blocker (Mama Blocker).
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to the ministries of choice.