Mr. Rufus Eugene "Gene" Dickens, 64, of Mamers, went home to be with Lord on August 1, 2018.

Gene was born March 29, 1954 to the late George and Wilda Laubscher Dickens. He worked in the furniture industry for many years before most recently working with the Harnett Co. schools at Boone Trail Elementary. He loved people; singing music; playing with his band "Second Chance"; and DJ'ing, especially with functions for special needs children and classic car shows. He taught an adult Sunday School class called "Friendship" for many years at Holly Springs Baptist. Gene was lovingly referred to as "Unofficial Mayor of Mamers".

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2018, at 4 pm at Holly Springs Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Yow and Rev. Jerry Parsons presiding. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Diane O'Quinn Dickens; daughter, Gena Dickens of Mamers; grandchildren, Jaylee and Jake; sisters, Vonnie Dickens of Lillington, Barbara Holder (James) of Mamers and Shirley Black of Lillington; brother, Alvin Dickens (Barbara) of Broadway; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday evening from 5 to 7 pm at Holly Springs Baptist Church Multi-Purpose Building.