Obituaries
 By  Staff Reports Published 
12:55 pm Monday, February 29, 2016

Eugene “Gene” Townsend

February 25, 2016

Eugene “Gene” Townsend, 82, departed this life Feb. 25 at Sanctuary Hospice, Tupelo, Miss. He was born March 27, 1933, to William Jefferson “Willie” and Flora Humphres Townsend in the Burnout Community, Vina, where he has lived the past 55 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War, and a member of Burnout Missionary Baptist Church.

Services were Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. at Burnout Missionary Baptist Church, Vina, with Bro. Tim Harris officiating. Burial was in Burnout Cemetery, Vina.

Survivors are his wife of 64 years – Geneva Wilson Townsend, Burnout Community, Vina; one son – Alan Townsend and his wife, Carole Spearman Townsend, Vernon; two grandsons – William Burke “Will”  Townsend and Alan Collier Townsend, both of Vernon; a brother – Raymond Townsend and wife Margie of Brook Park, Ohio; three sisters – Nell Hall, Russellville, Evangeline Hughes, Phil Campbell, and Margaret Fikes, Fulton, Miss.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a 10-month old twin sister, Eutrene Townsend, a brother, Everett Townsend, and a sister, Opal Klatt.

Pallbearers were Richard Townsend, Tommy Townsend, Gary Williams, Terry Humphres, Donald Gober and Danny Shewbart.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their support during Eugene’s sickness, death and their loss. Thanks to the Red Bay Hospital Emergency Room, ECM Hospital, doctors and staff for their kindness, Sanctuary Hospice, Tupelo, Miss., for their loving kindness and care for Eugene and Deaton Funeral Home for their services.

Visitation was Feb. 28, 2-4 p.m. at Burnout Missionary Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burnout Missionary Baptist Church.

Also on Franklin County Times
2 pieces of turnout gear lost during fire
Main, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Two turnout jackets were damaged during a Thanksgiving Day structure fire while firefighters were conducting an interior attack. Fire ...
Council to renew fines and notices
Main, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Enforcement actions for a group of deteriorating downtown buildings will resume after council members voted Dec. 16 in favor of the ac...
Public donations make baby box possible
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — City Council members have approved the purchase of a Safe Haven Baby Box using funds donated for that purpose. Two different families, ...
EMS train for K-9 emergency treatment
Franklin County, Main, News, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
December 24, 2025
FLORENCE – Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Jaret Yancey and his K-9 officer Mateo have only been together for a few months, but the pair have already...
West Elementary hosts ‘Polar Express’ celebration
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- West Elementary School marked the Christmas season with a series of activities centered on music, generosity and long-standing holiday...
Innovate Alabama critical to state’s economic future
Columnists, Opinion
December 24, 2025
Alabama has long been recognized for its success in industrial and manufacturing recruitment. Our state offers aggressive incentives and support to at...
Cultura Garden Club celebrates Christmas
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
December 24, 2025
By Susie Hovater Malone Columnist Christmas for Cultura Garden Club members this year meant gathering around a table, sharing food made with care and ...
THS assistant principal gets championship ring
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Tharptown High School’s faculty surprised Assistant Principal Sherry Parker with a championship ring recognizing her role on the 1981 V...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *