Richard Eugene Rudesill

Richard Eugene "Gene" Rudesill, age 85, of Knoxville, TN, died peacefully on April 13, 2026. Gene was born on February 10, 1941. He grew up in Sheffield, AL and Chattanooga, TN. Gene graduated from the University of Chattanooga and Vanderbilt University Law School. He served as a lawyer, commercial real estate developer, consultant, and a children's advocate. He was also a Shriner and a member of Chota Lodge. In his final years he attended Wears Valley United Methodist Church, where his son Richard serves as the Pastor.

Gene was a giving man who will be missed by many people. He had the rare gift of helping others take just the right next step in life. He served Mobile Meals, advocated for young people, and supported the churches in which he was involved. Gene had many titles, but was most proud of his roles as father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Gene also had a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of the world around him. Gene found joy in nature, especially in the springtime when he could often be found watching birds and tending to plants and flowers. He dearly loved his faithful dogs, Maggie and Jacob, who were cherished members of his family. Above all, Gene's greatest love was for his family, who meant more to him than anything else.

Gene was preceded in death by Ann Gillespie Rudesill, his loving wife of 23 years, and his parents Robert and Frances Oveta Rudesill Borders. He was also preceded in death by his faithful dogs Maggie and Jacob. He is survived by his brother Robert (Billie) of Helena, AL; his sons Robert (Terri) of Bellevue, NE and Richard (Elizabeth) of Sevierville, TN; and his daughters Jennifer (Charles) Denney of Knoxville, TN and Kelly Rankey (Lou Paratore) of Huntsville, AL.

He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Erin (Yovanni) Gonzalez of Orlando, FL; Mary Kate and Elizabeth Rankey of New York, NY; Gabe Rankey of Kansas City, MO; Ally Lamb and Preston Lamb of Knoxville; and Zoe Rudesill of Kodak, TN. He is also survived by his beloved great-grandchildren Charlotte and Gryffin Gonzalez of Orlando, FL and Mayzley Jane and Lily Denton of Knoxville.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Wears Valley United Methodist Church, 3110 Wears Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862; University of Tennessee Hospice Services, 4435 Valley View Drive Northeast, Knoxville, TN 37917-1300; or Mobile Meals, 2247 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921.