Emmett Gene Goin Sr., a true gentleman, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026 at his home on Pepper Creek, Susan, Virginia, with his family by his side. He was 89 years old. Gene was born on January 28, 1937 in Prospect, Va., to Emmett John Goin and Grace Brown Goin.

He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Evelyn Goin McCormick and Inez Goin Bowles. Gene is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Annie Laura Hudgins Goin. He is also survived by his children, Emmett Gene Goin Jr. “Chip” (Carol Ann) and Laura Lane Goin Mills (Danny).

He was the proud Pop of Ashley Garnett (Nick), Jessie Mills, Alex Mills, Deanna Harris (Phillip), and Rebekah Helbig; along with six great-grandchildren, Avery, Rayann, Emmett, Gabe, Eli, Mirielle.

Gene graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in Richmond in 1958. Following his graduation, he was assigned to Mathews County where he served as a state trooper for 38 years before retiring. He then worked for the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office for the next 20 years. He was also in the Army Reserve.

Gene was a Master Mason with 52 years of service with the Masonic Lodge Oriental #20. He was a member of the Khedive Shriners and Tidewater Shrine Club.

He was a faithful member of Saint Paul Comfort Church and served in many capacities over the years including singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school.

He served on the Mathews YMCA Board and has been an active member for many years. He became a familiar face and brightened many people’s days.

Gene once said, “I wasn’t sure where Mathews was until I looked it up on a map but when I came across the Piankatank River Bridge into the county, I thought it was the prettiest sight I’d ever seen.” Gene and Annie enjoyed traveling to many places. He believed in the love of family, second chances, helping your neighbor, and shared his faith with many.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 14, from 1-2:30 p.m. at Saint Paul Comfort Church, Susan, with the funeral service to follow. Interment will be in Saint Paul Annex Cemetery, followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Saint Paul Comfort Church, 5555 New Point Comfort Highway, Susan, Va. 23163. The family would like to thank the nursing and medical staff of Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, home health and hospice for their dedicated care.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, is assisting the family.