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.