Gene was born in Baltimore, MD where he grew up with his two younger sisters. He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, and in 1959 enlisted in the Air Force to follow his dream of flying airplanes. In 1961 he was commissioned as an officer and continued on to pilot training, receiving his first fighter pilot assignment in 1963 flying the F-100.
He loved flying and was known to others as “Big Bird”; a “call sign” approvingly coined by his fellow fighter pilots. He felt privileged to complete close to 5000 hours in the F-100, T-33, T-38, A-7, A-10, and C-12 aircraft. He retired in June of 1991 from Elmendorf AFB, AK as the 11th Tactical Control Wing Commander, after 32 years in the Air Force.
“Big Bird” Bigham flew the F-100 with the 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron/3rd Tactical Fighter Wing out of Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam in 1967, then with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron/113th Tactical Fighter Wing out of Myrtle Beach AFB, SC.
Eugene F. “Gene” Bigham, Col USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on June 20, 2022.
Gene was born in Baltimore, MD where he grew up with his two younger sisters. He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, and in 1959 enlisted in the Air Force to follow his dream of flying airplanes. In 1961 he was commissioned as an officer and continued on to pilot training, receiving his first fighter pilot assignment in 1963 flying the F-100.
He loved flying and was known to others as “Big Bird”; a “call sign” approvingly coined by his fellow fighter pilots. He felt privileged to complete close to 5000 hours in the F-100, T-33, T-38, A-7, A-10, and C-12 aircraft. He retired in June of 1991 from Elmendorf AFB, AK as the 11th Tactical Control Wing Commander, after 32 years in the Air Force.
When stationed at the Pentagon in 1976, Gene met the love of his life, Gorgie Sousa. They were married in 1981 and shared many happy years together traveling, fishing, and enjoying life.
During his Air Force career, Gene received a Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling & Guidance. After retiring he renewed those interests, advocating for domestic violence victims, working with Services to Abused Families as Executive Director, volunteering with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, and facilitating Domestic Violence Prevention Programs in local schools.
Gene passed away while in Alaska, where he and Gorgie spent summers enjoying their favorite fishing in the Kenai River.
Family and friends will always remember Gene’s remarkable presence, his great sense of humor, his kindness, his caring about others. He was a devoted father, a dedicated husband, a positive role model for his nephews and nieces, and a very important part of their lives.
Carrying on Gene’s memory and laughter are his wife, Gorgie; two loving daughters, Bridget Bigham and Gillian Bigham; caring sister, Joyce (Lawrence) Stevenson; along with a large family including 42 nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-laws.
Funeral services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
