Funeral services for Gene Everette Cain, age 82, will be held Monday, January 21, 2013 at 11 a.m., in the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. Interment will follow with military honors in Haywood County Memory Gard...ens in Brownsville, TN.
Mr. Cain died peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, January 16, 2013.
A native of Brownsville, TN, he was born on December 2, 1930, the son of the late Everett and Artie Cain.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou; his children, Gene Cain (Janet) of Jackson, Jenny Jones (Billy) of Jackson, John Cain of Memphis, TN, Downing Cain (Teresa) of Jackson; grandchildren, John Everett, James and Emily Cain of Memphis, and Michael and Ethan Cain, and Brittni Thompson of Jackson, TN; a sister, Marion Thomas of Brownsville and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Cain.
Gene graduated from Haywood County High School in Brownsville, TN in 1949. He served 3 years in the 519th Airborne Quartermaster Company and while in service, he received the Parachute Badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After his discharge, he attended UTM until 1956 when he transferred to George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, and graduated in 1957 with his BS in Education. In 1959, he received his MA degree from George Peabody College. He received his Science Certification from the University of South Florida in 1964. His passion was football, and he played football in high school, college, and the service.
He began his teaching career in Cullman, AL. Over the next 11 years, he coached and taught in Cullman, AL, Warner Robins, GA and Smyrna, GA. In 1968, he moved to Somerville and coached at the former Fayette County High School. In 1970, he moved to Jackson and coached at South Side High School until he became the principal at the former Vocational School in 1977. In 1982, he became the Director of Maintenance and Transportation for the Jackson Madison County School System until his retirement in 1991. After his retirement, he served on the Jackson Madison County School Board from 1996 to 2006.
As a coach, he always instilled in his players a love for the game, a desire to win, and the prise and respect necessary to bounce back from defeat.
Gene was an active member of Liberty Grove Baptist Church and a member of the Adult Bible Sunday School Class.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Asera Care Hospice, and the doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials may be directed to Liberty Grove Baptist Church or the South Side Quarterback Club in care of South Side High School, Jackson, TN.
Pallbearers: grandsons: John Everett, Michael, James and Ethan Cain; and nephews, Marc, Bill and Chris Cain. Honorary Pallbearers will be Roy Weaver, Raybon Moore, Ray Rowan, Bradd Webb, Billy Ray Thomas and Anthony Emison.
Friends may visit with the Cain Family on Sunday, January 20, 2013 from 5 - 8 p.m., in the South Chapel of George A. Smith & Sons.
George A. Smith & Sons South Chapel, (731) 427-5555
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