Gene Lee Hankins

Gene Lee Hankins, age 81, of Knoxville, TN, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Sacred Ground Hospice House. He was of the Baptist faith. Gene retired from K-Mart Corporation after a long successful career. He then went to work at the Knox County Sheriff's Office retiring in 2003 as a corporal with corrections. Gene was a wonderful husband to his wife, Linda, his sweetheart of sixty-two plus years, and a loving adoring Daddy to his three daughters: Kimberly, Tammi, and Angela. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Judson and Rosalie Hankins; brothers, Robert "Buddy" and James Hankins; and sister, Barbara Buhrmaster. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Linda Gale Hankins; daughters, Kimberly Hurst (Jesse), Tammi Sellers (Tim), and Angela Sellers (John); grandchildren, Brandon Sellers, Nick Bundy (Hannah), Amanda Hurst (Dustin), Ashlyn Baumann (Matt), Alexandra Hammond (Nick), and Blake Sellers; several great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Burton; and his special beloved companion, Shadow. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Tina Carpenter, RN with UT Hospice; Dexter Jordan; Cindy; Heather; and the staff of Sacred Ground Hospice House for their compassionate care and kindness during Gene's final days. Family and friends may call at their convenience from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM Friday, October 24, 2025, at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Broadway. Family and friends will gather at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Sutherland Avenue, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:45 AM for an 11:00 AM graveside service, officiated by Rev. James Hammond. Pallbearers will be Tim Sellers, John Sellers, Jesse Hurst, Nick Bundy, Blake Sellers, and Tristan Bundy. Rose Funeral & Cremation – Broadway is honored to serve the Hankins family. Online obituary and guest register are available at www.rosefuneraltn.com. For all who knew him: "Pretty good, you?"