Gene Ross Caudill

Gene Ross Caudill, 77, of Bel Air, MD passed away on Friday, March 6, 2015 at Hart Heritage Estates, Forest Hill, Md. Born in Forest Hill, MD, he was the son of the late Ross L. Caudill and Ethel Fletcher Caudill, and loving nephew of the late Walter T. Sr. & Lenora Rhodes Caudill. He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Karen Bailey Caudill.

A veteran of the U S Navy, he retired from Aberdeen Proving Ground's Dept of Public Works. He graduated from Bel Air High School, Class of 1957 and enjoyed every reunion and reconnecting with his former classmates. Mr. Caudill had many interests over the years. He was the owner/operator of a printing business in Bel Air during the 1960's. His love of community, especially that of Bel Air where he lived his entire life, was the result of his involvement with the Bel Air Jaycee's during the 60's. He coached many girls unlimited softball teams, along with his dear friend, Bob Coale, frequently having successful seasons of winning regional and national tournaments. He could often be found with his friends at the Bel Air Bakery, 7-11 on Archer Street, and at the Bel Air Auction Galleries. He also had a love of antiques and collectibles that he acquired over the years, as well as his association with the Bel Air Auction Galleries, of which he was a co-founder. He enjoyed refinishing furniture and antique tools, and collecting local pottery and glassware. Due to his failing health, he was saddened not being able to make his daily trips to BAG and Chick-Fil-A to be with his many friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Barry Caudill of Timonium, Joel Caudill and wife Lisa of Forest Hill, Eric Caudill of Joppatowne; his daughters, Kimberly Smith and husband Timothy, of Grants Pass, OR, Gena Krieger and husband, Raymond, of Fallston, and Julie Basham and husband, Robert, of Forest Hill. He was the very proud "Granddad/Pop Pop" of Diane Dorvin, Erica, Michael, Megan, Joseph, Christopher and Matthew Caudill, Renéa and Mitchell Smith, Bethann McCalla, Rachael and Amanda Krieger, and Allison and Kate Basham.

He is also survived by his brothers, Willard Caudill, of Perryman, MD and Bruce Caudill, of Havre de Grace, and sisters, Janell Miller, of Bel Air, MD and Arlene Klein, of PA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Caudill is also survived by his former wife, Maria Guercio Magardo, of Fallston, Md.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Caudill was predeceased by his infant son, Gordon James Caudill; his brothers, Dale Lee Caudill and Walter T. Caudill Jr., his sister Eleanor Caudill Dennison; and daughter-in-law, Susan Wilkes Caudill.

Pallbearers will be Michael Caudill, Mitchell Smith, Joseph Caudill, Timothy Smith, Raymond Krieger and Robert Basham.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or make checks payable to: UH Brain and Research Fund (with notation in memory of Gene R. Caudill for Prion Disease Research) and mail to UH Brain and Research Fund, Attention: Dr. Brian Applebee, 3619 Park East Drive, Suite 206, Beechwood, OH 44122.