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Eugene
was born December 28, 1931, in Marion, South Carolina, the
son of James and Arletha Conner.
Marion
was known for farming and many of Eugene's ancestors were
farmers. His father owned a farm where he and his family
lived and worked.
Eugene
attended grade school and high school in Marion. Part of
his primary years was spent in a one-room schoolhouse. He
often reflects on the fact that it took him one hour to
walk to school. Eugene graduated from Marion County High
School in 1951.
After
high school, Eugene went north in search of employment.
Before long he was drafted in the army and was sent to leadership
school and soon became a teacher for his unit. Later he
was honorably discharged and returned to the north to study
at City College in New York City.
Eugene's
professional career was spent with Crown Publishers in Manhattan
where he worked for 35 years. At the time of retirement
he was Vice President of the direct mail and marketing department
with 300 employees in his divisions.
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Eugene,
Irma, and their sons Keith and Steven