Gene Still

Gene Still, 83, Kingsport, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2015 at his home. Eugene R. "Gene" Still was born December 10, 1931 to Thomas Smith Still and Rachel Dona Marshall Still. He grew up in the family business, Tom Still Transfer Company, taking his first moving van trip at age 1. He was a lifelong member of First Methodist Church and after it merged, was active in First Broad Street United Methodist Church. Schooling began at George Washington School, then John Sevier and Dobyns-Bennett High School, where he played trombone in the band. Gene graduated with a Degree in Transportation from the University of Tennessee.

He married Mary Sue Watkins in 1953 and they had a son, Randy, and daughter, Vanessa. He was a 60 year member of the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport and worked with the Kiwanis Kapers for many years and the club's various civic projects. He began the company's overseas business taking the first tractor trailer onto the island of Nassau. He was active in various professional organizations including the Tennessee Movers Association where he served as President for many years. Through his business, he supported many area civic organizations by loaning trailers and other support. Those who knew him well know that pulling a practical joke was the activity he most enjoyed. His grandchildren were a great source of pride for him. Gene stayed active in the family business until 2013 when declining health forced his retirement. He had a passionate love for Kingsport and served on Kingsport's Citizen's Advisory Committee for many years. He was honored to receive a "Key to the City" from Mayor, Dennis Phillips this summer and enjoyed keeping up with city activities through the television broadcast of Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings.

Gene is survived by his wife and caregiver, Mary Sue Watkins Still; son, Randy; daughter and son-in-law, Vanessa Lawhon and Preston Lawhon of Plymouth, MI; granddaughter, Ashley Mattison and husband, Scott of College Station, TX; grandson, Steven Lawhon of Kingsport; nieces, Dona Gilliam and Amy Still; nephews, Kent Still, and Alan Still and wife, Ann; and sisters-in-law, Ina Sue Watkins, Nancy Watkins and Christine Bean, and their families.

Graveside services will be conducted on Sunday at 1:30 pm at Oak Hill Memorial Park. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Joe Green and the Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 East Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.

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