Dr. Eugene "Gene" Latimer Rasor

Dr. Eugene Latimer “Gene” Rasor of Midlothian (formerly of Emory, Va.) died at home in hospice care surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 19, 2018. He was born January 23, 1936 in Ware Shoals, S.C. to Paul W. and Annie Mae (Riley) Rasor. He had two brothers, Paul and Andy, both deceased. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1954 and Furman University in 1958. He received his master’s degree in modern European history in 1965 and his Ph.D. in modern English history in 1972, both from the University of Virginia. 

He enlisted in the U.S Naval Reserve in 1954 and served on active duty from 1958-1965. He was stationed on both destroyers and submarines, attaining the rank of Commander. In 1965, Rasor joined the faculty of Emory & Henry College in southwest Virginia as a Professor of History, teaching both British and European history for thirty-three years until his retirement in 1997, when he was named Professor Emeritus.  He mentored hundreds of students during his tenure, both in history and pre-law.  

He was the author of 16 books of historiographical and bibliographical surveys, such as: Winston S. Churchill, 1874-1965; General Douglas MacArthur, 1880-1964; and The Titanic. His magnum opus was a comprehensive bibliography of British Naval and Maritime History, published online by the Centre for Maritime Historical Studies at the University of Exeter. He was known as an historian’s historian.  He was very proud to be named a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (UK).  He travelled to Great Britain numerous times for research and served as tour guide for family and friends. 

During the fifty years he lived in Emory, Va., he was an active member of Emory United Methodist Church; served on the board of numerous service and civic associations; and was an active member of the Democratic Party. 

While a student at Furman, he met and fell in love with Claire Franklin. They were married in Gaffney, S.C. on December 22, 1957.   
Gene is survived by his wife, Claire; his children, Robin and her husband, Craig Hultberg, Lynn and her husband, Stephen Rhodes, and Laura and her husband, David Schoeni; and seven grandchildren, Cora Rhodes, Jake Hultberg and his wife, Mickelle, Hannah Rhodes and her husband, Nick Copeland, Sam Hultberg, Sarah Rhodes, Gabbie Rhodes, and Abraham Rhodes. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 23, 2018 at River Road United Methodist Church in Richmond, Va., with Reverend Darcey Johnson presiding. In Emory, Va., there will be a reception at the home of Neel Rich, 12164 College Drive, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Holston Conference - Emory & Henry Cemetery in Emory, with Reverend David Jackson, Reverend Charles Maynard, and Reverend Carol Wilson presiding. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eugene L. Rasor Award in Global Studies at Emory & Henry College. 

Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com.  The Rasor family is in the care of Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA  24210 (276-623-2700).