Gene Edward Satterfield

Gene passed away peacefully at Huntsville Hospital on January 20, 2024, after a brief illness. Gene was born in Fairmont, West Virginia on July 10, 1954, the oldest of three sons to Gene Potter Satterfield and Lola Fussell Satterfield. His father worked for IBM, and so the family moved several times during Gene’s childhood, including to Oswego, New York; Huntsville and then Madison, Alabama; and finally landing in Atlanta, Georgia. When the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida, Gene stayed behind at Georgia Tech to study Textile Engineering. This is where he first met his loving wife, Debbie. He worked at the Singer Sewing Machine plant during his college days, honing his keen mechanical sense that would carry him into a lifelong career.

Gene was a quiet man, often just sitting and observing. When he spoke, his words were typically thoughtful but to the point. Other times, he would surprise those around with an unexpected but well-placed joke. When he was comfortable with you, he could talk for hours on a wide variety of subjects. He was a brilliant man and a mentor to many, and he will be greatly missed.

Gene’s career took several turns and included a short stint with Prudential Insurance before bringing him and his bride to Huntsville, Alabama. It is here that he learned the heating and air conditioning trade. This industry became a calling and lifelong passion for him, and Gene always sought to do things just a little better for his customers – customers who quite often became his friends. In many cases, his customer list spanned family generations.

He always embraced the latest technologies and studied his craft constantly. People often said that Gene had the ability to see where air should flow. He held an unwavering belief in the need for integrity and quality in his line of work and worked to instill those standards in those he mentored. He was involved in a number of industry organizations which serve to promote these goals. This included serving on the Alabama Board of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors for several years. More recently, Gene was an active board member in the Huntsville/Madison County Homebuilders Association, serving in many capacities including as chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee. In his spare time, he offered his expertise as a teacher at the NAHA tech school, fostering the education and training of new tradespersons.

Gene took great joy in service to the church and held many roles such as vice president, congregational president, elder, head elder, youth leader, Sunday School teacher, and adult Bible Study teacher. He was pleased to be part of the leadership for several very successful building projects at two local churches and happy to assist other churches in the design of their HVAC systems.

Gene worked extensively with two local Boy Scout troops and served as Assistant Scout Master and advancement coordinator for Troop 312 and later Troop 382. He enjoyed working with youth and seeing their enthusiasm as they mastered new skills.

During his time at Georgia Tech, Gene met and married his one true love, Deborah. Even though their interests were vastly different, they became instant companions. Together they tackled countless household projects, raised three children, and ran a business together. Gene and Debbie recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary, still as much in love as the day they first met.

Gene was blessed with a close family and enjoyed spending time with them. He loved to play pranks or jokes on his children, and his time with them was treasured. Gene’s grandchildren were a source of immense pride and happiness to him. He spent many hours talking with them about a wide range of subjects and encouraged each in their unique skills, interests, and talents. One favorite pastime was to curl up with “Pop-Pop” and watch old cartoons.

He is survived by his wife Deborah; son David Satterfield (Melissa); daughter Sandi Gibbs (Carey); and son Travis Satterfield (Jennifer); granddaughters Chloe, Layla, and Amilia Satterfield; Ivy, Scarlett, and Tessa Gibbs; and Tiana Petreshock; and grandson Jimmy Petreshock. Gene is also survived by brothers Keith Satterfield (Vicki) and Todd Satterfield (Glenda); mother-in-law Betty Culver; sister-in-law Becky Free (Ron); brother-in-law Alan McKelvy (Sandi); special Aunt Kathy Arnold (Tommy); and a variety of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 29, 2024, from 11am to 12 noon, with service to follow. The services will be conducted at Grace Lutheran Church, 3321 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL, 35801. In lieu of flowers, Gene’s family asks that you consider making a contribution to the Grace Lutheran Building Fund at the address above. Proceeds will help fund a special project at his church that was dear to Gene’s heart.