Eugene Perrin Elebash, III, 80, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Sacred Heart Hospital in the presence of Brenda, his wife of 57 years.

Eugene Perrin Elebash, III, was born during WWII in Manchester, NH, to Pensacola natives, Eugene Perrin Elebash, Jr., and Jane Cornelia Nobles Elebash, on February 4, 1945. At three months old, Gene returned to Pensacola with his mother to live with her parents until Eugene, Jr., returned from active duty during WWII. Many of Gene's cherished childhood memories were of Bayou Texar, where he spent countless hours boating with friends and skiing barefoot. Growing up, he was known for his love of dancing and playing harmless pranks on friends. An artist at heart, he enjoyed painting, as well as photography, a lifelong passion he discovered as a high school yearbook photographer. He attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, where he studied Sociology and was a member of Sigma Nu Social Fraternity.

Through ROTC at Wofford, Gene earned his commission in January 1968, as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. On June 28th of that year, Gene married Brenda Wilhoit, his high school and college girlfriend. They began their lives together at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and then moved to Fort Benning in Georgia, where he taught land mine warfare. They continued their journey together at Fort Bragg, NC, where he attended language school to learn Vietnamese, followed by advanced language school at Fort Bliss in Texas. Gene left for Vietnam in June 1969, and was assigned to Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) in An Loc, Binh Long Province. With his new language skills, Gene worked a variety of positions, among which were club officer, pay master, and special counterpart officer in psychological operations. Gene completed his active duty and returned to Pensacola in March of 1970.

Following his time in the US Army, Gene began working at the family business, Elebash's Jewelers, in Pensacola. An American Gem Society Registered Jeweler and certified by the Gemological Institute of America in Diamond Grading and Evaluation and in Colored Stones, he was an experienced jewelry appraiser and gemologist. In the fine jewelry profession for thirty-nine years, Gene most enjoyed the opportunity to meet people and help them find "the perfect gift".

As a child of founding members of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, church was a cornerstone of the life Gene and Brenda built together. Gene was confirmed, served as an acolyte, and met Brenda at "EYC" (Episcopal Youth Community) in 1962. At St. Christopher's, he served on the Vestry, taught Sunday school with Brenda, and helped maintain the church lawn as a member of "St. Christopher's Green Thumbers." Throughout the years, Gene loved dancing at the St. Christopher's Concerts in the spring and volunteering for the Caravan during the Christmas season.

A common theme throughout Gene's life was his love of talking with people and sharing his passions. He was an avid gardener, who used his talents to help maintain the neighborhood's green spaces, and joined the Pensacola Camellia Club. As a member, he learned new gardening techniques and thoroughly enjoyed meeting new and interesting people while selling flowers at Camellia Club shows. Gene also connected with others dancing and celebrating the Mardi Gras season as a member of several organizations, like Revellers of Ariola, Rebellaires, and Saints and Sinners.

One of Gene's greatest passions was travelling and exploring the world with Brenda. Together, they took trips to numerous countries, and a favorite of Gene's was their cruise to the Scandinavian countries. He fulfilled one of his bucket list travels to see the Panama Canal in December of 2024.

Gene wished for friends to know that he enjoyed a very good and happy life with many, many more blessings than he ever could have imagined. He was known for saying, "I had a great job, a great family, and most of all, a great, patient wife!"

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Perrin Elebash, Jr., and Jane Cornelia Nobles Elebash. He is survived by his siblings, Bill Elebash (Beverley) and Claudia Hahn, and his sisters- and brothers-in-law: Suzanne Anderson (Eric), Linda Clouser, Missy Craig (Carlin), Corry Wilhoit, and Clara Ann Wilhoit; his children: Melissa Anne Creed (Andy), Eugene "Perrin" Elebash, IV (Darlene), Elizabeth Corry Bullard (Robert), and Alice Christine Westbrook (Jason); his eleven grandchildren: Alex, Catherine, Abbie, and Aiden Creed; Perrin, Parker, Claire, and Camille Elebash; Christopher and Perrin Bullard; and Matthew Westbrook.  Gene lovingly referred to his children and grandchildren as his "most precious possessions".

A celebration of Gene's life will be held at 11:00am Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, with Reverend Jen Rice officiating.

Contributions in his memory can be made to The Pensacola Camellia Club Foundation at P.O. Box 707; Pensacola, FL 32591 or to St. Christopher's Episcopal Church at 3200 North 12th Avenue; Pensacola, FL 32503.