Eugene "Gene" Lackey

Eugene “Gene” Lackey, 88, a prodigious storyteller, father, and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Gene Lackey was born to Lee Lackey and Naomi Kleghorn Lackey in Ila, Georgia on March 21, 1935, the 9th of their 10 children.

Gene lit up every room and brought love and laughter to many. He was a graduate of Ila High School class of 1953 where he was a 4-year basketball letterman. Gene went on to work for Harmony Grove Mills in Commerce before starting his illustrious sales career at Life and Casualty Insurance. Gene was also a top performing salesman with General Cigar before retiring from Swisher International with distinction in 2000.

Gene was a faithful follower of Christ and a member of Gordon’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He loved to help other people, tell stories about his youth, and impress the ladies with his sharp wit. He was an avid fisherman & hunter and a life-long fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. He read daily and continued learning until his final months.

He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley; parents Lee and Naomi; brothers Tom and Henry; sisters Barbara, Ruth, Betty, and Bonnie; and grandson Jason Lackey.

He is survived by his daughter Cindy (Sam) Green of Watkinsville and their children Colt, Sawyer, and Samantha; son Danny (Stephanie) Lackey of Watkinsville and his children Chris and Dusty; stepdaughter Wanda (Doug) Bond of Commerce and their children Tyson, Elliott, Dillon, Connor, and Wyatt; and great grandchildren Nick, Lauren, Sadie, Max, and Avery Green, Brandon & Savannah Lackey, and Lukas & Dougy Bond.

Special thanks to Highland Hills Village for their dedication, outstanding service, and many friendships over the years.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at 2:00pm at Lord & Stephens West with Craig Topple officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00pm.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.