Edgar “Gene” Trayer passed in the early morning hours of February 16, 2021 at the age of 95. He was born on August 23, 1925 in Falls River, Nebraska to Edgar and Lela Trayer. Growing up in Denver, Colorado, Gene was the oldest of five children and graduated from Denver North High School. He signed into the Navy on his 17th birthday and went off to the South Pacific. He served 30 years in the Navy where he rose from an E1 and retired as a Lt Commander…he was a Mustang. During his years in the Navy he was a part of World War II, Korea, Cuban Missile Crisis, the Six Day War and Vietnam. During his career he earned the Navy Commendation Metal and multiple commendations and campaign metals. Upon retirement he worked the overnight shift in a convenience store and attended the College of Charleston in the day, where he earned his 4-year degree in education and later taught and was an administrator in the Charleston School District at Middleton HS. A lifelong learner, he continued his education and earned two Master degrees from The Citadel.

After his second retirement from the Charleston School District, Gene left his beloved church, Old St. Andrews Episcopal parish in Charleston and moved to Lexington, South Carolina where he remained for the rest of his life. Gene maintained an active role in his new church and formed many lasting and meaningful relationships at St. Albans Episcopal in Lexington. The family wishes to thank Father Tom at St. Albans for his pastoral care and neighbors Greg and Susan Sox, Richard and Gwen Luther, his postal carrier Laura Addison and all of his friends at the Piggly Wiggly for their friendships with our father. He cherished each of you. Gene is predeceased by his parents Edgar and Lela, sisters, Bonnie, Patty, Betty, brother, Jack and his daughter, Irene. Survivors include sons Gene, Pawleys Island; Phil, Staunton, Virginia, daughter Patricia, Williamsburg, Virginia and sister-in-law Jane Trayer of Carlsbad, California as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Last but not least, he is survived by Doris Mills who became a cherished member of Gene’s family. Truly the love of his life, Doris Mills and he were together over 21 years and enjoyed volunteering at Lexington Medical Center, traveling around the country and spending time with each other. Doris offered him her support in the healthy years and was a constant advocate for him during his years of decline. A more faithful, dedicated partner could not be found and our family is so much stronger because of her positive impact.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at the Lexington Medical Center, the staff at National Health Care, the staff at Wellmore of Lexington and Dr. McCloy and the staff at All Seasons Hospice for their care and support of our father. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized and will occur in the Spring shortly after Easter. Arrangement details, when finalized, will be posted on the website at Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel.

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