Eugene Morris Zimmerman

The Reverend Dr. Eugene “Gene” Morris Zimmerman was born in Crystal Beach, FL to Marie (Morris) and Porter Zimmerman. He passed away on November 5, 2024, in Orlando, FL surrounded by family. Gene grew up in the Tarpon Springs, FL area and served in the Navy in the US and overseas during WWII. After the war, he attended the University of Florida, where he met his loving wife of 73 years, Emily Ann (Owen) Zimmerman. They were married on December 24, 1950, in Palatka, FL.

After graduating from UF with a BA (he was a lifelong Gator), Gene and Emily Ann moved to Atlanta, GA where he attended Emory's Candler School of Theology. Gene received a Master of Divinity in 1954, and they returned to Florida to serve in United Methodist churches throughout the state for over 50 years. They had two children, Katharine and Gene King. Gene dearly loved them, along with other members of his extended family.

As a pastor, Gene was able to take complicated theological concepts and make them relatable to everyday life. He provided spiritual care and comfort to all with a gentle and welcoming spirit. He was considered a bonus brother, father and grandfather to many. Because he grew up on the west coast of Florida, Gene loved the sea and spent many days fishing with friends and family. He also loved music dearly and formed a band singing old time songs with his wife Emily Ann, playing a string “gut” bucket and washboard while she played the ukelele and kazoo. 

Gene's travel log reads like a Caribbean adventurer: The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, Montserrat, Dutch and French St. Martin, Belize, and Cuba. But he was not a tourist in these exotic destinations. He traveled to each of these places on preaching missions. The people and islands of The Bahamas held a very special place in his heart. His ministry touched thousands and his empathetic pastoral care and love for The Bahamas and Bahamian people knew no bounds.

Gene volunteered and served on boards for numerous organizations throughout his life, most recently with Dignity. In recognition of his support, a wing of the Zion Children’s Home and a scholarship house at Bethune-Cookman University were named in his honor. Gene was especially dedicated to supporting education opportunities and stewarded scholarships and resources for students throughout the US and The Bahamas. He received honorary doctorates from Bethune-Cookman University and Florida Southern College. In 2006, Gene was selected by the Emory Alumni Board to receive the Emory Medal, which honors distinguished service to the university and its alumni as well as outstanding professional achievement.

Gene dedicated his life to sharing God’s love through preaching, teaching, essays, stories, and music. He wrote two books, “Why Do Mullet Jump?” and “The Case of the Cast Iron Dog,” to share the wonders of God’s creation through his experiences and life observations. He will be remembered for his love of family and friends, stories and jokes, and his selfless service to church and community.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Marie (Morris) and Porter Zimmerman, and his brother Phillip (Dana) Zimmerman. He is survived by his wife, Emily Ann Owen Zimmerman, daughter Katharine Zimmerman, son Gene King Zimmerman (Diana), grandchildren Max Zimmerman (Skyles), Anabel Zimmerman White (Ethan), Gus Zimmerman, Ariana Zimmerman, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 11 at 2:30pm at First United Methodist Church-Orlando at 142 E Jackson St, Orlando, FL 32801. Church parking will be limited, so street and garage parking is recommended as overflow, including the city garage at 300 Liberty Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32801

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bahamas Methodist Habitat (www.methodisthabitat.org) or Bethune-Cookman University (www.cookman.edu).