Ray Gene Walkup

Ray Gene Walkup passed away from congestive heart failure on the morning of August 9, 2024. He was 96 years old and lived a rich and full life. He is predeceased by his parents – Horace Ray and Fancye Lyon Walkup; beloved wife of 63 years, Leola Campbell, brothers Fred, William Hall and Lyon Walkup. He is survived by daughter Sue (George) Covucci, son Mike (Karen) Walkup, grandsons Jamison (Sarah) Walkup, Jeramie (Abby) Walkup, Kevin (Lauren) Covucci, great granddaughters Wylder and Juniper Walkup, his sister Sarah Ruth Ridenour, numerous nieces and nephews, very special friend Cynthia Headrick, and golf buddies Charlie, Dennis and Sam.

Gene was a faithful member of Meridian Baptist Church since 1959. He served as a deacon, Sunday School and Training Union Director. Earlier this year he was awarded deacon emeritus. He was a member of Gideon International for 30 years, serving as Church Coordinator for most of that time. He was a 32nd degree Mason.

He was educated in Kittrell, TN for early school years. He served in the US Army for two years (1945-47) and attended Tennessee Polytechnic Institute in Cookeville on the GI Bill.

He had a distinguished career in the food industry – he worked for 20 years as a District Manager for Libby, McNeil & Libby, a grocery company. He then worked for 25 years as part-owner of Siler Brokerage Company and retired in 1995.

He was an avid golfer enjoying playing many different courses with friends and family until he was 95 years old. Equally he loved gardening and annually planted his garden until he was 96.

His service will be Monday, August 19th at Meridian Baptist Church, 6315 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Receiving of friends will begin at 11am with a service to follow at 12:30pm. A graveside service will immediately follow at Berry Highlands South, 9010 E Simpson Road, Knoxville, TN 37920.

In lieu of flowers, he would be honored by contributions to Meridian Baptist Church, 6513 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920; Gideon International, P O Box 1452, Knoxville, TN 38901; or UT Hospice.

Condolences may be offered at www.berryhighlandsouth.com