Gene Thursby

Ph.D., Duke University
Associate Professor Emeritus
Department of Religion
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
University of Florida

Gene Thursby was interested in geriatrics and alternative and complementary healing modalities, including approaches to health and well-being with sources in ancient traditions of India and China. He reviewed scholarly books about religion, lifestyle, and longevity for the journal CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries which is published by the Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association.

Gene Robert Thursby, age 81 years, transitioned on Friday, January 15th, 2021 in the York Haven Hospice in Gainesville, FL

The passing of a long-time advisor and friend

In 1970, Gene Thursby joined the faculty of the Department of Religion at the University of Florida where he continued to teach until his retirement in 2007. His most creative and convivial experiences while employed at the University of Florida were team teaching and public service activities in cooperation with colleagues in the university's multi-college Center for Spirituality and Health. He was a gifted and beloved teacher and mentor to thousands of students, many who have written over the years crediting him with changing their lives. Importantly, he was always willing to change, grow, and learn. He was extraordinarily humble, generous, and kind.

Gene's parting advice: You never know where grace and love are going to break in. If you can, be open to it. Be able to have a little quiet within yourself. If you can become a center of calm, all the better.

Read more about Gene Thursby’s Time at UF: https://religion.ufl.edu/a-history-of-ufs-religion-department/