EUGENE P. BLITCH

July 2, 1935 – May 15, 2021

Eugene “Gene” P. Blitch was born and raised in Tampa, growing up in the Seminole Heights neighborhood. He graduated from Hillsborough High School (Go Terriers!) before joining the United States Marine Corps. His time in the Marines took him to Okinawa and Japan before returning to North Carolina, where he completed his second enlistment with 8 years of service and the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1960, Gene returned to Tampa and joined the Tampa Police Department. He also married the “prettiest girl in the choir,” Hilda, on June 15, 1963. Gene and Hilda started their life together, raised three beautiful daughters, cheered on four grandchildren, and were married until his homegoing. Gene saw many changes during his time on the TPD, including desegregation. He also participated in some unique events in Tampa history, from providing police escort for John F. Kennedy’s visit to Tampa right before he went to Dallas, to working numerous concerts, including Elvis, Zeppelin, Chicago, Joplin and more.  Gene retired from the TPD as a homicide detective in 1973. After many years in sales, he found an opportunity to serve the community once again through his position as an investigator with the State of Florida in 1987, retiring after 10 years of service. Gene, however, was never one to sit still and worked for Continental/United Airlines, where he enjoyed numerous trips and buddy passes; he finally and fully retired at age 79. Besides traveling the country, Gene also enjoyed camping with family and friends and being a “PawPaw” to his grandchildren.

If you know only one thing about Gene Blitch, it’s that he was a true servant of the Lord. Accepting Jesus at a young age, he faithfully attended New Orleans, Livingston Avenue, Tampa Baptist, and, for the last 34 years, Idlewild Baptist Church. He served in many areas of the church, including, but not limited to, being a deacon, a choir member, a youth leader, a mission leader, a door greeter, etc. Mr. Gene was also known as the “gum/candy man” because he would reward children with a pack of Canel’s gum or candy if they said a bible verse; many of those children have grown up and are now serving where Gene left off. He was a real “influencer” of people, providing sound biblical counseling and advice, investing in young people, and serving the Lord until his last breath on this earth at the age of 85. His legacy will live on for generations due to his investment in the lives of his family, his lifelong friends, and all those he met.

Gene is survived by his wife of 58 years, Hilda; three daughters – Kelly Wynn, Kristi Blitch, and KayAnn Hooge; two sons-in-law – Bill Wynn and Phil Hooge; four grandchildren – Katie Wynn, Nate Hooge, Noah Hooge, and Nic Hooge; a large extended family; and his church family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Gene to “Passion for Prison” (www.passionforprison.com), a ministry he deeply believed in and strongly supported.

A celebration of life will be held at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd, Lutz, FL 33548, on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, with a visitation at 10am and a memorial service at 11am. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513, at 2pm.