Gene Winter Philbeck

   Jean (Gene) Winter Philbeck passed away on June 12, 2026, at TerraBella Shelby at the age of 86.

   He was born in Cleveland County, Shelby, NC, on June 11, 1940, to the late Clure Cecil Philbeck and Mamie Elizabeth Philbeck.

   After Gene graduated from Shelby High School, he entered the Army and served in Vietnam as a helicopter gunner. He was proud to serve his country and be part of the Army of God.

   He enjoyed creating new designs in brick & stone. After he retired from Pompano Masonry in Charlotte, NC, he & his wife Dee traveled around the U.S. and Canada.

   Gene is survived by his wife of 25 years, Delores Huebner Philbeck of the home, a son, Brad Philbeck and wife Angel of Fountain Inn, SC, a stepson, James Thomassen and wife Teresa of Gastonia, NC, a step daughter-in-law, Tammy Thomassen of Forest City, NC, a granddaughter, Brianna Philbeck of Greer, SC, step grandchildren, Cheyenne Franklin of Fountain Inn, SC, Robin Knight and husband Gerald of Fountain Inn, SC, Dylan Franklin and wife Crystal of Fountain Inn, SC, Johnathan Horn and wife Yurona of Revere, MA, a sister, Virginia Champion of Polkville, NC, step great grandchildren, Keelan Knight, Adriel Knight, Owen Knight, Jase Franklin, Kylee Franklin, and Emilee Franklin, nieces and nephews, Larry Emery and wife Kay, Allen Philbeck and wife Debra, Debbie Shull and husband Steve, Glenda Cline and husband Steve.

   Gene is preceded in death by his stepson, Bill Thomassen, a brother, Cecil Philbeck and his wife Margie, a sister, Martha Emery and her husband Bill, and a nephew, Jimmy Emery.

   A funeral service will be held 12:00pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Cleveland Funeral Services conducted by Rev. Jim Davis and Assistant Thomas Pruitt. A visitation will be held from 11:am – 12:00pm prior to the service. A burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.

   To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com.

   A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.