Eugene Talmadge OSWALT, Jr., 52, passed away on September 13, 2008. Gene was the only child of the late Dr. and Mrs. Talmadge Oswalt, Sr. Gene graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Alabama and is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Auburn University, where he served as Administrative Vice-President of the Student Government Association and was member of Spades, Auburn's top honorary organization. After graduation from college Gene served as Chief of Staff for Alabama Lt. Governor George D.H. McMillan, Jr. until 1981. He then became the managing partner and Director of Management Training for Entertainment One, an upscale food and beverage company partially owned by the late NFL football-great Walter Payton, which launched successful businesses in Chicago, Hawaii, Minneapolis, Houston, San Diego and Sidney, Australia among other cities. In the mid-1990's Gene returned home to the State of Alabama where he joined the special events management firm McMillan Associates, which was working with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Casino Operators Association, tourism officials and coast leadership to create the event that would become the inaugural Cruisin' the Coast, which launched in 1996. After playing a key role in the early growth of Cruisin' the Coast, Gene was named Executive Director in November of 1998.

Gene tirelessly continued to promote the Mississippi Gulf Coast nationally through Cruisin' the Coast, as well as to lead the charge to create other special events to positively impact the economic development of our region, including Smokin' the Sound, which is now hosted annually in Biloxi. Gene continued to serve as Executive Director of both Smokin' the Sound and Cruisin' the Coast, despite the decline in his health. Gene is survived by many dear friends whom he considered his family, as well as family members in Alabama, and he will be greatly missed. Many will remember Gene for his quick wit, stimulating political debates, and his sports acumen - to include his great love and support for the Auburn Tigers<$>..WAR EAGLE! A visitation to remember Gene will be held on Thursday, September 18th from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cruisin' the Coast or Smokin' the Sound, or to a charity of your choice. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com