Freeman Eugene "Gene" Ellenberg, III, 42, passed away on December 20, 2025, in Laramie, Wyoming.

Born in Greenwood, SC, Gene was a son of Freeman Eugene Ellenberg, Jr. and Sandra Dorn Ellenberg.

Gene attended Greenwood High School before going on to graduate from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He later earned his Master of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico, continuing a lifelong devotion to art, expression and seeing the world more clearly than most. Always with a genuine desire to help others, he worked as a Substance Use Disorder counselor in Ocean Park, Washington. He cared deeply about the work he was doing and for the people he served.

Gene was a talented and accomplished photographer, with an eye that could capture both beauty and truth, often at the same time. His work reflected the way he moved through life: observant, thoughtful, and emotionally rich. To those who knew him, Gene was more than an artist. He was a loyal and loving friend. Someone who listened deeply, cared fiercely and showed up honestly. He was also dramatically funny with a quick sense of humor that could cut through heaviness and leave people laughing when they least expected it. Gene leaves behind a profound absence and an enduring legacy. He will be remembered for his talent, his heart, and the way he made people feel truly seen.

He is survived by his loving mother, Sandra Ellenberg; sisters, Tammy Gravley (Jay) and Pam McGiboney; brothers, Jeffery Ellenberg (Tanya), Brian Ellenberg (Amber) and Kenneth Ellenberg (Melanie); nephews, Eason Gravley, Jay Gravley, Jr., Ethan Ellenberg, Ken Ellenberg and Zachary Ellenberg; nieces, Traci Mixon, Alex Gravley, Courtney Kelly, Megan Cowles and Brittany Ellenberg; great nieces and nephews, JC Anderson, Kennedy Mixon, Maddie Gravley, Colby Mixon and Bennett Matthews; numerous aunts and uncles; and his beloved pets, Darlin and Tessa.

Along with his father, he was preceded in death by grandmothers, Mary Lou Ellenberg and Ruby Stewart; and a great nephew, Hudson Mixon.

A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 pm on January 17, 2026, at the Arts Center of Greenwood. The family will receive friends before the service from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Pacific County Humane Society at https://beachpets.com/long-beach-wa-shelter/donate/