March 13, 1953 – February 16, 2025
This eulogy, read at Gene’s memorial service, is printed in “You and God” with permission from his wife, Miracle.
Gene Satterfield made a mark on every life he touched, for he could not, would not, be ignored. And, when he was on target spiritually and right with the Lord, he had something to say that one would do well to listen to.
I was privileged to know Gene the past 15 or 20 years—and to have been his pastor for most of that time. So I speak with a different insight into the man than most others would have.
I cannot, will not, paint him as some super saint, and if you knew him you would no doubt agree. But he was authentic. I did not know Gene in his earlier years, but he shared with me enough about those years that I know he fought some spiritual battles—with that old roaring lion, the Devil, and that old nature with which all of us daily deal—that too often left him with his back on the ropes. But, though he was down for the 9 count more times than he would have liked to remember, he always got back up—battered and bruised but not beaten. During much of that time, he survived by returning to God’s Word, memorizing it, meditating on it, and messaging it to whomever would give him an ear. He knew many key passages. He could recite verse after verse that was not only in his head but hidden in his heart.
Some years ago, when the Satterfields landed at Thompson Road Baptist Church, Gene attached himself to some men in the church who wanted to help him spiritually. They knew what he was going through; they could speak the language, and they could understand what Gene was all about. It might be more accurate to say that these men—led by Lonial Wire, a long-time member and song leader at our church, who had fought some of the same battles—attached themselves to Gene. They met with him every week, usually before prayer meeting on Wednesday nights, prayed with him, encouraged him, listened to him, and held him accountable. And, it worked! During those years, Gene was a vocal, visible witness for his Lord and Savior. He was at times a one-man “Amen corner” at TRBC during the preaching hour. Sometimes, others joined him in a chorus of amens, which was just like saying “sic ‘em” to this preacher. And, it was not just during the preaching—it was before and after. His countenance shown with the joy of the Lord; he loved God’s Word; his prayers were like those one could imagine hearing in an old-fashioned revival meeting.
But, more important than any other person (other than Gene’s Lord and Savior) was his devoted wife, Miracle (named so by her mother at birth because she was not supposed to have made it into this world intact—but, by God’s grace, she did!). I added the word “woman” and called her “Miracle Woman,” which she earned if for no other reason than that she was a steadying and steadfast stalwart beside Gene every day that he wobbled or wandered. Miracle was the glue that held the Satterfield family together. He would not have made it without her patient and unwavering support.
Gene joined a Tuesday-morning book-study group that 10 or 12 men have been attending for a dozen or so years. His comments were always relevant. He was direct, plugged in, energized, and always a welcome addition to any of the meetings that he was able to attend. We never could convince Gene, though, that when he gave himself an insulin shot before eating the donut in front of him at our early morning meetings, it would be better if he would not stick the needle through his shirt or jacket—as he would invariably do—rather than rolling up a sleeve for the injection!
So, this sometimes not-so-saintly saint—never one to drop out and fall by the wayside—was one of a kind. He is one that this pastor can never forget and will always be grateful to God for allowing our church to be challenged by, here on the corner of State and Thompson Road. He was ever a presence in any assembly. He was bold, blunt, and when he was right with His Lord, biblical. He spoke the truth, not with an air of superiority but with humility—as one who had not yet attained but was determined to ever keep on keeping on.
What Jesus ended His letter with to the church in Smyrna—when He sent messages to the seven churches that are recorded in the Revelation—I think appropriately concludes my remarks about my beloved brother and dear friend, Gene Satterfield:
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Rev. 2:18)
Gene is an overcomer finally, fully, and forever. “For whosoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (I John 5:4,5)
Gene would qualify for the white stone and new name. How about you? Will you join him in the victor’s circle?
Pastor Anthony Slutz
February 21, 2025
YOU and GOD 