WAYCROSS — Mr. Gene Dennerd Sowell, Sr., 81, passed away Friday, January 20, 2023, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross following a short illness.
He was born in Waycross to the late Robert James Sowell and Alma Steedley Sowell. He retired from CSX Transportation as a boilermaker after many years of employment. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Blackshear and the Misfits Sunday School Class. He also served in the United States Army.
Gene often enjoyed riding motorcycles and watching racing events. He was a very skilled woodworker who made cabinets and furniture for his own home and other family members. He also made many things for his friends. He simply loved the outdoors.
In addition to his parents he also was preceded in death by three brothers, Bobby Sowell, James “Mutt” Sowell, and Omer Lee Sowell; and three sisters, Doris L. Fiveash, Eva Dell Pittman, and Eloise Duncan.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Sowell of Waycross; two children, Denny Sowell of Waycross and Ellen Tanner (husband Carlos) of Macon; one grandson, Jackson Tanner of Macon; a brother, Marcus Sowell (wife Jean) of Stone Mountain, Ga.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends Sunday afternoon at Music Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 23 at First Baptist Church in Blackshear. The family also received friends at 1 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Members of the Misfits Sunday School Class served as honorary pallbearers.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
Music Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
