Gene was born May 23, 1934 in Cullman, Alabama to Wyley and Rufie Mae Bright Sticher. He was the grandson of Rev. Hyrom Hayden Bright and Ina Mel Bright. Gene was married to Carol Burch Sticher. They had one daughter, Xan Sticher Alexander, and two grandchildren, Ashely and Brandon. He was a graduate of Florence State Univeristy.

Gene was in the ministry for 23 years before retiring in 1991. He had pastorates at the following:

1968 - Allgood Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Allgood, Alabama
1972 - Hickory Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Hickory Grove, Alabama
1973 - Center Star Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Killen, Alabama
1976 - Camden Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Camden, Arkansas
1980 - West Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Millington, Tennessee
1984 - Green Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Lewisburg, Kentucky

Gene passed away at the age of 63 on February 13, 1998 in Clarksville, Tennessee.