Eugene McKann Folliard Jr., 75, of Urbanna passed away Friday, July 9, 2021.
He was the son of Eugene McKann and Marguerite Richardson Folliard.
Born and raised in Urbanna, Gene was a graduate of Middlesex High School and Frederick College, formerly located in Portsmouth.
After college Gene joined the United States Coast Guard, where he was stationed in Mobile, Ala. for four years.
In 1972, he moved back to Urbanna to work in the family insurance business, established in 1946 by his father. Aubrey Hall joined the agency for the sale of real estate, hence the name change to Folliard and Hall Inc.
Gene met his wife Jane Willis, a teacher in Virginia Beach, and they would have celebrated 45 years of marriage this August. He is also survived by his daughter, Sarah McKann Payne (Chad); son, Martin Hankins; grandson, Colin James Payne; his sister, Marguerite Hall (Aubrey); his sister in-law, Frances Beckner (Linwood); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gene enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay as a member of the Virginia Yacht Club, but was completely satisfied to be rock fishing in the Rappahannock River with family and friends or crabbing in the Urbanna Creek in his little skiff.
Being a businessman in the community, Gene was interested in his town of Urbanna and served as mayor in his younger years. He was a charter member and served as the first charter president of the Middlesex Kiwanis Club in 1978. While a member, he spent countless hours planning the club’s oyster roast for the annual Urbanna Oyster Festival. As his children grew up and showed an interest in the county sports leagues, he sponsored several younger children’s soccer teams. With his close friend, Jimmy Ward, they coached several Senior Boys Basketball League teams when their sons were members of the team. Later in life Gene was asked to serve his church, Urbanna Baptist, as a deacon.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Central Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad Inc. P.O. Box 790, Urbanna, VA 23175
A service is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, July 17 at Urbanna Baptist Church, with a reception to follow at Piankatank River Golf Course in Hartfield.
