Gene Thompson

Gene Millis Thompson of Cookeville, Tennessee passed away on April 27th, 2023 at the age of 94.

Gene was born on September 3, 1928 in the Gentry community, the youngest child of Taylor and Leona Thompson. Gene grew up in Gentry, attending Vaden School, Gentry School, Baxter Seminary, and Tennessee Technological University. While studying at TTU, he played baseball for the Golden Eagles; during his time on the mound, TTU won their first OVC championship in baseball. Gene was scouted for the old New York Giants major league baseball team, but he turned down the opportunity to play the game he loved professionally to serve his country as a Sargent in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, supporting his unit by working on the ground in special intelligence, sometimes on the front under heavy enemy fire.

Upon returning from his enlistment, Gene continued to be involved in sports in the Upper Cumberland, coaching Connie Mac and Babe Ruth baseball teams for many years. He deeply enjoyed the game of baseball, and he passed that passion on to his own child and grandchildren as well as many other children of Putnam County.

Gene was a Christian and an active member of Holladay Church of Christ until he was unable to attend due to declining health. He worked for many years in the hardware business, forming strong relationships built on honesty and respect with family-owned businesses across the Upper Cumberland. He was a kind and loving husband, caring father, and doting grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his current wife of twenty years Martha Whitehead Thompson, formerly Bowman, of Cookeville; daughter-in-law Kim Thompson of Cookeville; step-daughter Pam Miller and her husband Paul of Cookeville; sister Juanita Bobbitt of Hendersonville; granddaughter Marissa Scott and her husband Drew of Cookeville; grandson David Thompson of Soddy Daisy; three great-granddaughters, Emery, Avery, and Cambry Scott of Cookeville; as well as extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna Lee Thompson (d. 2000); son, Mike Thompson; three brothers, Cordell, Frank, and Clarence Thompson; and eight sisters, Irma Lynch, Ola Mae Thompson, Carrie Mathis, Vola Vaughn, Beulah Bentley, Opal Hale, Gorda Hill, and Zora Holmes.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 1st at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Bro. Johnny Fox will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at Crest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, April 30th from 4 - 7 p.m. and again Monday from 11 a.m. until time of services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Selections at sacredselections.org.