GENE CASTLEBERRY

Profile Updated: February 20, 2018
GENE CASTLEBERRY
Class Year: 1970
Residing In: Saint Marys, GA USA
Spouse/Partner: Barbara (passed away on 10/19/2017)
Occupation: Retired - Federal Civil Service
Children: 4 Boys
Military Service: United States Marine Corps  
Yes! Attending Reunion
What elementary school(s)did you attend?

Burbank Elementary

What Jr High (s) did you attend?

Burbank Jr. High

What street(s) did you grow up on?

Turner Drive

Do you or your family still live or own your house that you grew up in?

Entire family moved and house was sold.

Do you see or hang out with any class mates? Who?

It has been many years since I have seen any classmates.

What would we be surprised to know about you?

I have had 12 indoor cats at one time. They were all strays that we took in. Some have passed away from illness or old age and I am down to 7 indoor cats at this time.

Where was your favorite HS hangout?

The Granada Theater, Northline Mall, Little York Bowling Alley, ROTC.

List your siblings and year.

Jason, Douglas, David, and Robert

School Story:

Spent all my years in senior high school in the ROTC. I was a member of the ROTC Silent Drill Team.

What did you want to do or think you were going to do when you finished high school?

I wanted to be a Texas Ranger; but, my eyesight keep me out of it. So, I had to settle for working for the FBI as a clerk. I did this for a year and then I joined the United States Marine Corps. This was during the draft and my time was coming up, so I joined. I spent 4 years, 2 months, and 19 days in the U.S.M.C. before I was honorably discharged with a 10% compensable disability due to a gunshot wound. Later, I did get back in the Federal Service and for the last 13 years of my Federal Service I helped train the new Special Agents for the Criminal Investigation of the Internal Revenue Service. I am now retired and enjoying it. However, I do work part-time during the tax season for H&R Block doing tax returns.

What and where was your 1st job? Do you remember how much you were paid?

My first job was at a movie theater at the Northline Mall and I was paid the large sum of $0.75 per hour. One of the perks was to be selected to make the popcorn. You could eat all the popcorn you wanted while you made it.

Famous or interesting people you've met?

None famous; but, I have met a lot of interesting people.

Ever been on TV? Tell us all about it.

Nope.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my wife and family.

Name something you dearly love. and why?

I dearly loved my wife. She was my best friend and confidant. However, I do miss her very much. She passed away on 10/19/2017 from an illness. I had her in Hospice Care at home for 3 weeks before she passed away. We were married for 40 years, 7 months, and 6 days. That was the best time of my life, being married to her.

Comments:

I would like to attend one of the school reunions for my class of 1970; but, have not been able to yet. However, it is on my bucket list of things to do.

Any words of wisdom?

Whenever you do something, be proud of it. Perform the task, no matter how big or small, and perform it to the best of your ability. Always do your work as if you were going to sign it showing that it was you who did it.

Is there a moment in your life that stands out? A moment that defines who you are? Other than kids being born or your wedding day.

My time in the military. When I first got out of the Marine Corps boot camp I was young and I thought I knew it all. It went to my head; but, it wasn't long before I was straightened out. From there on I learned a lot. I learned respect from my parents; but, the military added to it and fine-tuned it. Also, if you really want to learn about diversity, join the military. You have to work with people from all walks of life, all parts of the country, all different ethnic backgrounds, and all types of religions. You learn to work as a team and put your differences behind you. That experience went with me when I left the military and has helped me throughout my civilian career.





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