Eugene Ray Katz
Gene Katz was a fabulous storyteller. Each anecdote was valued not only because it was funny, but it tended to be humorous all along the telling. The fact that he was an actor as well meant that every story had exquisite timing, leading his listener beautifully to the finish or punch line. “Rolling in the aisles” used to be a reviewer’s verdict on winning comedies. It was life’s reward for knowing Gene.
Theatre became an avocation for Gene at an early age. While attending Tulane, he worked at La Petite Theatre in New Orleans and did summer stock at the Greenbush Theatre in Blauvelt, New York. After graduating from college, he briefly sought an acting career in New York City. Running out of funds before reaching success on Broadway, he returned to Memphis and devoted his love for the stage to local productions at Front Street Theatre, Circuit Playhouse, Theatre Memphis, Mccoy Theatre and Playhouse on the Square. His favorite roles were Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Oscar in “The Odd Couple,” and the boy’s father in “The Fantastics.” Broadening his reach, he made over 50 commercials, narrated six Memphis Memoirs for WKNO, and had parts in four movies filmed in Memphis.
For 44 years he worked as a broker for F.I. Dupont, E.F. Hutton, Prudential, Wachovia and finally at Wells Fargo Advisors, retiring in 2012. Many friends became clients and most clients became friends. He served on the boards of Playhouse on the Square, Theatre Memphis, the Jewish Community Center and the Mental Health Association. He was an arbitrator for FINRA and the BBB. He served as an ombudsman for MIFA.
His first love was his family. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol, along with his daughter Kathryn Jean Katz, his stepchildren, Corinne Mclaughlin and Glen Friese, Jr., his granddaughter Madeleine Mclaughlin (whom he lovingly referred to as “The Divine Miss M”), his beloved dog, Ginny, and a host of wonderful friends. He was an enthusiastic, if underwhelming, golf and tennis player. What was important about games or most things was his enthusiasm.
Eugene Ray Katz was born in Chicago on September 10, 1930, to Abe and Jeanette Katz, who encouraged and supported his every endeavor. His father’s work brought the family to Memphis in 1943. Gene graduated from Central High School in 1947 and from Tulane University in 1951. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on March 14, 2023, at age 92.
Gene always said that when they entertained, Carol would cook and he would tell stories. People are still retelling those stories, and they are still laughing.
A service will be held on Saturday, April 15, in the chapel at Elmwood Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Playhouse on the Square, Planned Parenthood, MIFA, or the donor’s choice.