William Eugene Darby

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Gene Darby, of Lenoir City, TN on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the age of 78.  Gene was a longtime member of Farragut Christian Church. He was an avid wood worker and could make just about anything.  He loved his lathe! Gene was a Veteran of the United States Air Force serving as a Radar Operator and was awarded Airman of the month.  He loved serving his country.  Gene was in the Furniture Manufacturing Industry for over 40 years as an Industrial Engineer.  He always said “I’ve never worked a day in my life” because he always loved his job. Preceded in death by:  son, Chris; brothers, Terry & Butch; sister, Deana.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Diane; children, Pamela & Amy (Casey); grandchildren, Jennifer Rollins (Patrick), Darby Twito (Nathan), Jackson Bollinger, Grace Bollinger, Tate Edgemon, Charley Edgemon and great-grandson, John William Twito.  He will also be greatly missed by his furry best friend Loui as well as his golfing and tennis buddies.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:  Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or Folds of Honor Foundation, De‌partment 1‌3, Tu‌lsa, O‌K 74‌182.  Family will celebrate his life on May 20^th, which would have been his 79^th birthday.  Family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 PM, Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Farragut Christian Church, 38 Admiral Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934.  Funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with his Minister, Jason Warden officiating.  Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.