A visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 3:00 PM in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA with Reverend Robb Goodman officiating. A burial with U.S. Navy Honors will follow in Parkhill Cemetery.
Gene was born in Columbus, GA on August 15, 1932 to the late Thomas Delma Whitehead and Annie Rebecca Worley Whitehead. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1949 and completed basic training in Great Lakes, IL. During his career in the Navy, he was stationed in Norfolk, Charleston, and San Diego. He retired after a distinguished 20 year career at the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He met Evelyn, his loving wife of 68 years, in 1956 while on leave.
After retirement, he taught vocational training in Charleston, before the family relocated back to Columbus, GA in 1978. He went on to teach at Hardaway High School, before he began working for the GA District Assemblies of God in 1981. He was the Superintendent at Camp Timberlake in Forsyth, GA. In his 27 years there, he had a lasting effect on an innumerable number of young people, and adults alike, creating lasting memories in thousands of people in their following of Christ. He retired, again, in 2008, and relocated back home to Columbus, GA "Great Lord, I gotta go to Macon"
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Evelyn Jones Whitehead of Upatoi, GA. a daughter, Pam Whitehead Ellis (Kenn) of Phenix City, AL, grandson, Timothy Russell "Rusty" Watson (Tiffany), great grandchildren, Braydon Russell Watson, Harper Grace Watson, Madison Suddeth (Brayton) and Haley Roche and one great great grandchild, Colten Suddeth. Gene was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Eugene Whitehead, Jr.
Services to be live streamed through Facebook, Striffler-Hamby Mortuary at Parkhill Cemetery
