Gene Allen "Apple Cat" Reed

Gene Allen Reed left his earthly home on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the age of 90 years, 3 months, and 29 days, surrounded by his family.

Gene Allen, the youngest of eight siblings, was born in Hardin County, TN on October 14, 1934, the son of the late Cleveland and Nannie Rose Reed. Gene Allen is fondly known by many as "Apple Cat" "Apple" or "Cat". He was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He graduated from Central High School in Savannah in the Class of 1953.

On May 25, 1957, he married Patty Morrow, who survives. They soon would have celebrated 68 years together. He is survived by his two daughters - Gena Evans (Mark), of Lenior City, TN and Lana Reed (Terry Frank) of Franklin, TN; custodial son, Jason Youngblood; grandchildren - Nicole Aaron, Natalie Aaron, and Neely Aaron; inherited grandchildren - Chelsea Kallman and Paige Reed. Great grandchildren- Brenlee Evans and Maeve Lampley; inherited great granddaughter, SeSe Kalman. Gene Allen is also survived by nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers—Fred, Morris, John H., Paul C., Leon; and sisters-Ruby Cherback and Frances Blount.

Gene Allen was a faithful member of East End United Methodist Church and the Stricklin-Mabry SS Class. He enjoyed singing in the choir as long as able and playing on the church softball teams.

Gene Allen served his country in the Fighting 9th Infantry of the US Army in the Territory of Alaska. He was proud to witness Alaska become a state of the U.S. He was privileged to play on The Midnight Night Sun baseball team and the All-Alaska Championship Volleyball team. After fulfilling his military duty, he returned to Savannah and continued his competitive spirit in his love for baseball by playing for the renowned "Plunk Plungers" of Adamsville and the "Hedge Apple Gang" of Cerro Gordo.

In Savannah, he began his working career where he taught himself to lay brick. He worked as a self-employed brick mason for several years before taking a position at Hardin County High School as a vocational instructor where he worked until retirement. His masonry work can be seen in many homes, signs, mailboxes, walls, and entrances throughout Savannah. Favorites were the Robertson Chapel Church with the white cross in front, the Claude Jones home in Olivet, the H.L. Boyd home and the entrance of the Greene residence.

Because of his love for sports, you could find him carrying chains at high school football games, running the clock at high school basketball games, officiating both basketball and softball games; and assisting with the high school boys' basketball team.

He loved the outdoors, especially working with bird dogs, shooting and quail hunting with his friends, brothers and son in law. He loved Horses and riding, both competitively and for leisure. He loved competition in whatever he did.

Gene Allen loved gospel music, country music, and he loved to dance.

Gene Allen's life has been full and blessed. We are grateful to all our wonderful family members, precious friends, medical staff, and administration for the love, support and care received during his lifetime and recent days of illness. A special thank you to Dr. Gigi Davis for her devotion and professional care over the years.

Memorial donations may be made to East End United Methodist Church, the Darryl Worley Cancer Center, or the Carl Perkins Child Abuse Prevention Center.