Coley Eugene "Gene" Scarbrough, age 85, passed away after a brief illness on April 5, 2021. He was born in the family home on Panola Road, across the street from Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Ellenwood, Georgia, to the late Coley Lee Scarbrough and Ethel Kate (nee McCullough) Scarbrough on July 18, 1935.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Carolyn Gleaton Scarbrough, who passed away on February 10, 2021, and his brother, Russell Scarbrough.

Gene is survived by his loving daughter, Sheila (Mark) Long, his grandchildren, Shelby and Joshua Long, his sister, Delores Benton, his brother, Don (Judy) Scarbrough, and several nieces and nephews. He attended Southwest DeKalb Grammar School and Southwest DeKalb High School, where he was a member of the school’s very first marching band. Gene met Carolyn at a pound party in Ellenwood at Carolyn's cousin's home. They married on December 16, 1955, at her sister Hazel's home in East Atlanta.

Gene worked for Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, Bruning, Consolidated Micrographics, and retired as a district service manager for Anacomp Corporation. Gene and Carolyn had a second home in Carrabelle, Florida, where they vacationed and enjoyed fishing, going to the beach, and relaxing. One of his hobbies was raising cows, together with his brother-in-law, Stewart Gleaton. He liked plowing the field with his Massey Ferguson tractor. Gene also enjoyed driving his Model-A Ford, which he owned for several years, as well as his motorcycle. He liked listening to country music, gospel music and the Glen Miller Orchestra. He enjoyed going to Disney World and Sea World with his grandchildren and attended many soccer games, cheerleading events, dance recitals, and marching and concert band performances. He was extremely proud of his daughter’s and grandchildren's accomplishments. He loved being "Daddy" and "Granddaddy."

Gene was a faithful believer and loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a gentle, caring, and compassionate man who could make others feel comfortable, respected, and loved. Gene could strike up a conversation with a stranger and quickly become a friend. During his final days, he rarely complained, and he continually thanked his doctors and nurses. He was good man who was loved by many.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in his memory to Sacred Journey Hospice Foundation, 133 Peach Drive, McDonough, Georgia 30253, or to a charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021, at 3 p.m. at Fairview Memorial Gardens, 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia.