Eugene Gene W. Connell, I, age 70, passed away Tuesday, surrounded by his loving family in Arcadia, FL. He was born February 24, 1940 in Clearwater, Fl. and moved to Arcadia in 1965 from Punta Gorda, Fl. Gene was of the Baptist faith, a Deacon and devoted member of N. Hillsborough Baptist Church. He was the son of the late Rev. Joseph W. and Josephine Overstreet Connell, whom was pastor of several churches throughout Florida. Gene had great love for his family and the Lord. He devoted his life to helping children, he adopted seven children and gave a home to many, foster children. Gene was an automotive and heavy equipment mechanic and enjoyed short track stock car racing. He won numerous awards and was 1986 point champion for the Winston Racing Series. He is survived by his wife Joyce A. Connell of Arcadia, Fl.; six sons, Eugene W. (Terry) Connell, II , Leo Connell, Dillan Connell and Ruben Connell all of Arcadia, FL., Jeff (Beverly) Shrieves of Zolfo Springs, FL. and Michael Bunce of Tallahassee, FL; seven daughters, Kayla Connell, Betsy (Raul) Soto, Angie (Bill) Duckett, Mindy (Curtis) Fennell, Chrissy Utman all of Arcadia, Amy Ballard of Labelle, FL and Nikki (Todd) Harrison of Lake Placid, FL.; many foster children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Sue Connell; his parents; brother, Herbert Connell; and sister Eunice May Barfield. A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 9:30AM until 11:00AM at the North Hillsborough Baptist Church, 253 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia. Funeral services will be following at 11:00AM at the church with Rev. Ellis Cross officiating. Burial will be at Joshua Creek Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.