Gene Daniel Day

Gene Daniel Day of Roxboro passed peacefully after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer on July 2, 2026, at Heroes Way, VA Hospice in Durham. Born on November 8, 1944, he was the son of the late Casey “Pete” Day and Martha Yarboro Day Ashley. Gene was the devoted husband of 61 years to Brenda, whom he met while on the tobacco market in Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Brent Adcock.

 After serving in the US Army, he built a career on the tobacco market where he worked until his retirement. His travels to markets across North Carolina, Kentucky and Maryland forged many lifelong friendships that he deeply treasured. Later, he became an invaluable wingman first for Brent then for Daniel, eagerly looking forward to hauling a load of tobacco to the market each season. Even as his disease progressed and he underwent treatment, his goal remained unchanged: to stay well enough to drive that truck and visit his friends at the warehouse.

His absolute greatest achievement was being promoted to “Poppa.” His grandchildren could always count on him to carry on, laugh and play jokes. He loved waking them up for school by banging pots and pans, and happily served as their chauffeur, babysitter and teacher. To teach them basic math, he would have them count loose coins and sort them into wrappers for the bank. He also loved teaching them various card games, with “52 card pick up” being one of his personal favorites. Mammy and Poppa’s house was always full and they wouldn’t have had it any other way. He brought constant joy to the household, always offering encouragement alongside a bit of mischief. His courage and strength throughout the years will never be forgotten, and he will be deeply missed.

In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves behind his two daughters, Kim Whitt (Doyle) and Jo Lynn Atkins (Nic). His legacy lives on through his four grandchildren, Daniel Adcock (Kelsey), Jared Adcock (Aija), Brooke Hawkins (Chandler) and Brody Strange, as well as his two great-grandchildren Lydia and Raymond Adcock with a third great-grandchild, Baby Boy Hawkins, expected to arrive this December.

The family will have a private service to celebration Gene's life at a later date.

Arrangements are by Strickland and Jones Memorial Funeral Services, 1810 Durham Road, Roxboro, NC 27573. Online condolences may be made at stricklandandjonesfs.com.

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