Gene Caldwell

David Eugene "Gene"� Caldwell, Sr., 70, passed from this life to the next on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at his home in Cookeville, TN after a brief illness. Devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, and loyal friend, he has left his fingerprints on the hearts and lives of countless people. Born on November 5, 1942 in Oxford, MS to Everett and Ruth Caldwell, Gene learned early on the importance of family and faith. One of eight children, he quickly developed his trademark skills of negotiation and peace-making. A graduate of Senatobia High School, he was a star on the gridiron, earning a football scholarship to Northwest Mississippi Junior College, where he met Rita Mixon, his beloved wife of 51 years (whom he married February 10, 1962 in Sentobia, MS. Gene"�s keen business sense led him to a lifetime in the automobile industry across the state of Tennessee. He owned and operated Value Motors for over 20 years and was also the owner of E.C. Golf Carts of Cookeville. He used his success in business to give back to the communities in which he lived, serving in both the Rotary Club and the Jaycees. He was a leader in the Small Business Administration of TN, helping distribute loans to fledgling entrepreneurs. Active with the Boy Scouts of America, he received the Silver Beaver award for his contributions. More importantly, Gene quietly helped countless individuals, both young and old alike. Wherever he saw a need, he found a way to be a part of the solution. A member of First Baptist Church in Cookeville, Gene"�s faith in Christ and love for the church was central to his life. A faithful Sunday School teacher and director, deacon, usher, choir member, extended session worker, and mission volunteer, Gene gave generously of his time, talents, and resources. Over the years, numerous ministers were blessed by the encouragement and support of Gene and his family. Gene will be remembered fondly by all who knew him for his creative uses for the word "deal,"� his love for hot sauce, his infectious laughter, and his boundless optimism as he exclaimed, "I gua-ran-tee!"� Predeceased by his parents and brother Guy, Gene is survived by his wife Rita and son Gene, Jr. of Cookeville; daughter Christy Caldwell Jensen and her husband Aksel of Shelbyville; daughter Michelle Caldwell Thomas of Denver, CO; and his adored grandchildren: Cal, Annie-Grace, Jake, Zoe, Luke, Molly, and Trey. Surviving brothers and sister include Everett "Bud"�Caldwell of San Antonio, TX, Charles Caldwell of Nashville, TN, Bill Caldwell of Franklin, TN, Tom Caldwell Long Beach , MS, Bob Caldwell of Oxford, MS, and Cecily Caldwell Pacini of Memphis, TN. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Cookeville. The Reverend Mike Head of Cookeville, Dr. David J. Hailey, Sr. of Raleigh, NC; and the Reverend David John Hailey, Jr. of Chapel Hill, NC will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, 2013 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Hooper, Huddleston, and Horner Funeral Home in Cookeville and Saturday, July 6, 2013 from 1 p.m.-1:45 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church, Cookeville building and/or missions funds 18 S. Walnut St. Cookeville, TN 38501; the endowment fund of Northwest Mississippi Community College Office of Alumni Affairs, 4975 Hwy 51 N., Senatobia, MS 38668; or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.