Gene was born and raised in Vilonia, AR. Following high school, he entered the Marine Corp and served as a sergeant in the Korean War. After his discharge and marriage to Dell Marie Owen, he attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering. His first job was with Chance Vaught in Irving, TX. Three years later he began a career in the aerospace industry and worked for the Martin Company in Littleton, CO, and the Harris Corporation in Palm Bay, FL.
In 1976, he accepted a position with Alabama Power Company where he worked in nuclear power plant construction at the Farley Nuclear Plant just outside Dothan, AL. He retired as head of the construction department when the plant was finished and in operation. In 1992, Gene began a rewarding retirement in Dothan where he worked as a course officer for the Robert Trent Jones golf course. He enjoyed golf, but he really loved tennis. Working with the USTA, he put together many doubles teams and played in many tournaments.
Gene was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan where he served in several capacities. He was a deacon, Sunday School teacher and a member of a group of men who built or remodeled other churches, even in other states. In 2007, he and his wife moved to Hixson, TN, to be close to family. In Hixson he attended, built friendships, and continued serving the Lord at Hixson First Baptist Church. He was a member of the Racquet Club and played tennis until the club closed in 2017, at his age of 87. He also enjoyed a challenging, 2 ½ mile daily hike up to age 90. He was passionate about fitness and Oklahoma University football.
Gene loved the Lord and believed the three most important decisions any person could make were: 1) what you will do with Jesus, 2) who you will marry, and 3) what career you will choose. He often said he was proud of his decision to trust Jesus, marry Dell Marie, and become an engineer.
Gene Hegi is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Mamie Hegi, his older brother, Wiley Hegi, and his younger sister Wanda Harper. He is survived by his wife, Dell Marie, daughters Cindi (Robert) Finn, Sharon Blackwood, Karen (David) Sherrill, and son Larry Hegi; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hixson First Baptist Church (HFBC) Remodeling Offering, P. O. Box 1538, Hixson, TN, 37343.
Following a burial service in Dothan, AL, a celebration of life service will be held May 7, 3-5 p.m., at Hixson First Baptist Church, 5800 Grubb Road, Hixson, TN.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
