Gene Peake Obituary

Gene Willis Peake December 15, 1934- April 23, 2024

ERWIN - Gene Willis Peake, age 89, died on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. He was a lifelong resident of Erwin and the son of Juanita and Staley Peake. He was a loving father, brother and son.

Gene was drafted into the United States Army and served for 4 years. He trained and served in Aircraft Maintenance. After service, he was in the United States Army Reserves for 2 years in Erwin. He was a bread baker for the 448 Quarter Masters.

Gene retired from the VA after 31 years of service. He also worked for Nuclear Fuel Services for 7 years, Holston Defense for 5 years, part time for AR Brown, Clinchfield Railroad, and in a car plant in Detroit.

After retirement, Gene and Ruby traveled the United States, Hawaii, and Mexico with family. He loved fishing at Douglas and Santee Cooper Lakes and camping at Myrtle Beach. He was an avid Tennessee fan who loved football and basketball. He was an animal lover, took in many animals and fed the deer.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by sisters, Fern and Midge; brother, Bill; brothers-in-law: Carrol, Kyle and Jerry; sisters-in-law: Becky and Dolly; great-grandson, Samuel Wyatt Rice.

Gene has left behind to cherish his memory: wife, Ruby; daughters: Vicki Garland (Randy) and Sandi Peake (Pui); grandchildren: Lindsey Street and Jamie Rice (Matt); great-grandchildren: Anna Kathryn Street, Nila Rice, Henry Rice, and Bea Rice; brothers-in-law: Ronnie, Kenneth, Bill and Charlie; sisters-in-law: Karen, Barbara and Shirley; and many nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates the care given at Unicoi County Hospital, Franklin Woods Community Hospital and Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Special thanks to Ademis, Robin Littleton, Judy Williams, and Chelsea for their loving care; and to Yoni Salas for all you have done for the family.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Gene Willis Peake in a graveside committal service to be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 26, 2024 in Evergreen Cemetery. Those who wish to attend the committal service should meet at Valley Funeral Home by 9:30 am on Friday to go in procession to the cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers will be: Randy Garland, Matthew Rice, Yoni Salas, Mark Garland, Todd Bailey, Chris Tripoli and Henry Rice.

The family requests that no flowers be sent. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Gene's name to the Unicoi County Animal Shelter, 185 N Industrial Drive, Erwin, TN 37650.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family of Gene Willis Peake through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.