Linwood Eugene "Dog" Custis Jr.

Linwood Eugene “DOG” Custis, Jr. Linwood Eugene Custis, Jr. son of the late Linwood Sr. and Earnestine Custis was born on June 15, 1951 and was received in the arms of his Heavenly Father on March 6, 2025, surrounded by his family. Linwood, affectionately known by many as “Dog,” “Mean Gene,” “Smiley,” and “Buzzard,” a nickname coined by his son-in-law, was loved by all. Gene received his formative education by attending public school in Machiponga, Virginia. After finishing his schooling, Gene briefly stayed with his grandfather in Virginia and then moved to NY with cousins and worked various jobs. Upon returning south, Gene moved to Delaware and worked at Quillen’s Furniture Store, Kraft Food as a Security Guard, and Delaware State College in the Maintenance Department where his brother Lawrence introduced him to the love of his life, Nancy Custis. Gene would later find another love that would turn into a 46 year career in the trucking industry. He obtained his CDLs and worked for various companies such as George and Lynch and Leonard’s Trucking at the Port of Wilmington. From dump trucks to log trucks, you name it, Gene could drive it. Gene retired from his love of trucking in 2020 to take care of his true love, Nancy. Gene was the life of the party. If music, cards and food were involved you could count on Gene to bring the fun. He loved hanging out with his family and every summer around his birthday, he looked forward to his son-in-law, who lovingly called him Buzzard, roasting a pig as the family gathered in the yard. On Saturday’s, he looked forward to his weekly phone call with a few of The Custis Men, Jerry, Joe, Carnell and Tyrone. This was their opportunity to shoot the breeze, have a few laughs, and of course, Gene always had a story to tell. If you ever stopped by the house to visit Gene you were sure to see a good Western, college basketball, baseball with the Baltimore Orioles or football with the Indianapolis Colts. Gene served the Prince Hall Masons as a member of the Morning Star Lodge #10 in Laurel, Delaware where he served as Worship Master from 2009-2013, others and his community. Additionally, Gene was a member of Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church where he was referred to by all as the #1 usher. He honored the Lord faithfully as an usher and trustee. One of his favorite songs was “Something About the Name Jesus”. Gene was preceded in death by his wife Nancy C. Custis and leaves to cherish his memory children Lyn Eugene Deputy, Lynell Custis, Le’Ondrea Custis, Linette Maddox (Herman), Brandon Smith, Dr. LaTonya Pierce (John), Lotoya Jones (Antny). Grandchildren Aveon Maddox, Jaden Maddox, Amir Maddox, Tyjai Maddox, Wayne Donaldson, Zerron Smith, Zayla Custis, Gianni Martin, Abraham Maddox, Anna’Belle Maddox, Samson “Big Dog” Maddox, Jasmine Deputy and 7 additional grandchildren, and 22 great grands. Gene was preceded in death by grandchildren Elijah Maddox, Baby Boy Maddox and Zion Ross, grandfather Ralph T. Bray, sister Machita Custis, brothers-in-law Everett L. “Bubby” Smith and Brooks M. Parker, Jr., nephews Craig Custis and Kemora Custis. Gene is survived by siblings Ernestine Custis, Lawrence Custis, Jerry Custis, Joseph Custis, Sr. (Romona), James Fitchett, and Ricky Nottingham. He leaves a Special great aunt Margaret White, Best friend Samuel “Pete” Gaines, and Special friend Robert “Bobby” Mollock, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. SUBMITTED WITH LOVE ~ THE FAMILY

Linwood Eugene "Dog" Custis Jr.

June 15, 1951 - March 6, 2025