Paul Eugene Yoder

Spartanburg, SC- Paul Eugene Yoder, 90, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at his home. Gene was born in North Carolina and was the oldest son of the late Paul Grier Yoder and Virginia Dare Yoder. He was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon, elder, and long time Sunday School teacher. Gene honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during and after the Korean conflict as a Russian Language Technician. After his honorable discharge from the service, Gene attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC and in 1960 received a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. Until his retirement from Tietex, International in 2009, he worked in the trucking, jewelry, and textile industries. He also performed volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in Action, Compassion International, and The Handy Man Team, which he started at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Gene is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Rochelle Wood Yoder; a son, Stephen Yoder; a daughter, Lisa Mercer; three grandsons, Blake Yoder, Lance Yoder, and Garris Mercer; and one granddaughter, Callie Mercer. He was predeceased by a brother, Jack Yoder. Gene enjoyed woodworking, teaching Sunday School, small groups, gardening, and tending to his “berry patch”. He was a loving father and grandfather and was affectionately known as “Big Daddy” to his grandchildren. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held Sunday, October 16th, 3:00PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, officiated by Reverend Dale Rawlings. A reception for friends will be held one hour before the service, beginning at 2:00PM. In remembrance of Gene, memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 309 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307 or to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.