Coach William Eugene "Gene" Holcomb

William Eugene Holcomb (Coach Gene Holcomb), 89, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, at his home in Rainsville, after an extended illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curt and Lillie Holcomb; stepmother, Minnie Holcomb; brother, Honzel (Joyce) Holcomb; and son, Kenny Holcomb.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mamie Thomas Holcomb; three daughters, Rejeana (Bryan) Hansard, Vicki (Jimmy) Cargil and Talese (Billy) Berry; four grandchildren, Dusty (Jessica) Brooks, Kensey (James) Wheat, Will and Maci Cargile, and Cooper and Cash Berry; and two great-grandchildren, Brooks Wheat and Nola Brooks; brother, Dwight (Jeri) Holcomb; sister-in-law, Millie Stevens.
Mr. Holcomb served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He graduated with his bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State and his master's degree from Peabody College. He coached at Center Point Junior High, and Crossville and Sardis High Schools. During his tenure at Sardis, his teams earned the title of County Champions and two Little Seven Championships. After his coaching career, he served as Principal of Cherokee County High School and later owned the State Farm Insurance Agency in Albertville.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Officiating will be Bro. Gary Carver. Special speakers will be Dale Johnson and Wayne Gregg.
Casket-bearers are Dustin Brooks, Will Cargile, Tim Thomas, Roger Seay, Ronny Bruce, Kenny Smith.
Honorary casket-bearers: Those who called him Coach Holcomb, those who called him Mr. Holcomb and those who called him Gene.
Albertville Memorial Chapel directing.