Gene Lee Lucas, Sr. was born on Wednesday, May 21, 1952 in Wrens, Georgia to the parentage of the both late John Willie and Ruth Pearl Lucas.

Gene was a loving and kind spirited husband, father and friend who never met a stranger. He received his education from the public school system of McDuffie County, Georgia. Gene Lucas, Sr. was better known as “Luke” to many. In his early years, he worked in construction building highways. Luke was employed with former companies: Thomson Oak Flooring, Uni-Royal, G & W Auto Service Center, Huff Radiator and he also worked for C&C Tire, all of Thomson, GA. He was a well-known mechanic throughout the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

In 1976 Deacon Lucas, Sr. joined the House of God Church of God in Christ of Thomson, GA and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He served faithfully as an Ordained Deacon, Adjutant, Choir Member, Parking and Security Member, Media Crew Cameraman and he also served as the Church Mechanic. When his health began to decline, he would find courage and strength to go a little farther as he encouraged others by making them smile and brightening-up their day. “Uncle Luke” as many of the parishioners called him, became a weekly Greeter on Sunday mornings as he sat in the front foyer of the church greeting all those who passed by and offered a big smile before service began.

On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Deacon Lucas, Sr. departed this life at the Augusta University Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Josephine Lucas; a daughter, Latinka Sharell Lucas, and a nephew, Ronnie Rhodes.

He leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted wife, Lillie Lucas of Thomson, GA; a devoted daughter, Nakia (Darryl) Walden of Augusta, GA; a devoted son, Gene Lucas, Jr. of Thomson, GA; an embraced daughter, Bianca Lane of Thomson, GA; an adopted daughter, Monique (Travis) Martin of Thomson, GA; a godson, Daniel Walden of Augusta, GA; six sisters, Mrs. Veroline Griffin, Ms. Barbara Ann Lucas, Mrs. Betty Jean (Melvin) Floyd, Mrs. Velma (Larry) Shelley, Ms. Darlene Moss, all of Thomson, GA and Mrs. Kathleen Hall of Camak, GA; three sisters-in-law, Willie Mae Martin, Vanessa Davis, both of Thomson, GA and Sarah (Johnny) Roberts of Lizella GA; three brothers-in-law, Tommy (Valerie) Moment of Athens GA, Michael (Natalie) Moment of Stone Mountain, GA and Wayne Moment of Thomson, GA; six adopted grandchildren, Mariah Martin, Mekhi Martin, McKenna Martin, Rodney Kelly, Jr., Remiyah Kelly and Rashad Kelly, all of Thomson, GA; a devoted personal “Registered Nurse” Felisa (Anthony) Grant; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.