Eugene "Gene" Albin Sapp

On Sunday morning, August 1st. 2021, our wonderful, precious Dad, Eugene (Gene) Albin Sapp, went to Heaven. He passed peacefully at his home in Athens Ga., where he and mom lived together for almost sixty-nine years. He was 88 years old.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Kesler Sapp, four sons and four daughters in law, (which he called daughters) eleven grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren. The families include Morris and Joy Sapp, Lamar and Tracie Sapp, David and Cathy Sapp, Jeff and Carol Sapp; eleven grandchildren, Kellie and Adam Speir, Kerrie and Matt Lang, Whitney and Briana Sapp, Taylor and Charles Merritt, Andrew and Kari Sapp, Amanda and Gabe Martin, Nate and Christy Sapp, Lauren and Kevin Cash, Todd and Jennifer Sapp, Vince and Jenna Sapp, Jake and Annie Kate Sapp; and twenty-five great-grandchildren.
Gene was born on October 17, 1932 to Vincent and Desma Sapp of Cary Ga. He was the fourth of five children. All have passed now, but many nephews and nieces remain. Being raise on a small farm in rural Ga., during the depression, Gene was taught the values of hard work, a job well done, honesty and determination. These would serve him well in the years to come. After he graduated from high school, he joined the Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict. Discharged from the Army, he married Mary Lou Kesler, from Athens Ga., where they lived together for almost sixty-nine years. During those early years, Gene worked as a body repair man for a local auto dealership. At the same time, he attended the University of Ga. night school, graduating in 1964 with a degree in business administration.  In 1972, Gene along with his four sons and a brother-in-law, started the family run business, Modern Body shop, which continues to serve the Athens area.
Dad was a strong, faithful Christian man. He loved his savior, Jesus Christ. As an Elder at Crossroads Community Church, he attended and served faithfully with his family, for over fifty years.  He was a true ambassador for Christ. His smile and laughter were infectious. He loved people and enjoyed helping all that he could. He was the greatest Dad anyone could ever want. He loved our mother with all his heart, loved his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids to the very end. His strong admonition was to give your heart to Jesus, love Him with all your might, and someday you will get to go live with Jesus, just as our Daddy did this past Sunday morning.
We are thankful for all he taught us, the example he set before us, and how to live a faithful, true life. We are grateful for his never-ending love, his generosity, kindness and care for all his family. We know Dad heard these words from His Lord: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of your Lord.”
Thank you, Daddy, you are the best. We all love you so much.
The service will be Thursday August 5th 2pm, at Crossroads Community Church, 550 Harve Mathis Road, Athens Ga. 30601. Visitation will be the same day, at the church, starting at 12 noon. The burial will take place at New Hope Worship Center, just south of Royston, GA on U.S. 29.

Flowers are accepted or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads Community Church Children's Department, 550 Harve Mathis Road, Athens, Ga. 30601.