Eugene Loring Vaughan, age 75, of Anderson, South Carolina, passed away on March 26, 2023, after a 2-year illness. He was born in Travelers Rest, SC on June 17, 1947. Eugene "Gene" enlisted in the Marines in 1967 serving his country in Vietnam being wounded in 1968 at Khe San during the battle of the Tet Offensive. His wounds would cost him his sight, but that would not hinder the expression of his life. Gene came home to marry Brenda Smith, whom he had been dating since before he had left on deployment. After serving his country in the Marine Corps, he would attend Lee College (now Lee University) earning a Bachelor of Arts. The young couple would begin a life of ministry together in the small town of West Bend, Wisconsin. Having the desire to raise his children, Steve, Sonya, and Shawn in a Godly community, the young Rev. Vaughan would become involved in the Christian School movement where he would spend many years of His ministry. "Bro. Vaughan" as he was known to so many students would work in or lead schools in Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Michigan. Gene would serve churches in several states as a pastor, assistant pastor, counselor, and listening ear who was never too busy to hear the answer to the question, "What's God saying to you lately?" He officially retired from ministry when he moved back to upstate SC where he preached often, counseled many, taught Sunday School classes, and led weekly bible studies to mentor the young people of Homeland Park Church of God. Gene is survived by his brother, Roland (Carol) Vaughan, his sisters Cornelia (Ray) Smith, Theresa (Jim) Cunningham, and Marie (Carl) Kilmer, many nieces and nephews, his children, Steve (Sheri) Vaughan of Abingdon, VA, Sonya (Paul) Rathbun of Muskegon, MI and Shawn (Stacy) Vaughan of Lakeville, MN. Brenda and Gene have 7 grandchildren, Brittany (Daniel), Rachel (Caleb), Ryan (Laken), Chase, Wyatt, Violet and Dylan, 3 great-grandchildren with another on the way. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Velma Vaughan, as well as his nephew, Michael Vaughan. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Agape Care Group of Anderson and Marie Anthony Home Helpers. Gene lived his life by faith, not by sight, with gratitude, not grumbling, and in grace, not in fear. On his behalf, the family would like to remind everyone to live each day with this mindset: I am in Christ, and Christ is in me. (Gal 2:20) The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 11:00 am at Homeland Park Church of God. A committal service with military honors will be held April 13, 2023, at 2:00 pm at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery. Events Visitation Wednesday, March 29, 2023 5:00PM - 7:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Funeral Service Thursday, March 30, 2023 11:00AM Homeland Park Church of God Anderson, SC, US, 29624 , Graveside Thursday, April 13, 2023 2:00PM M.J. 'Dolly' Cooper Veterans Cemetery 140 Inway Drive Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: 864-332-8022 Final Resting Place M.J. 'Dolly' Cooper Veterans Cemetery 140 Inway Drive Anderson, SC 29621