Gene Tunney Pelfrey

Gene Tunney Pelfrey known on the CB as"Sharpshooter", age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the Appalachian Regional Hospital in Hazard, Kentucky surrounded by his family. A proud native son of Kentucky, Gene was born on October 11, 1932, and lived a long and meaningful life rooted in family, faith, hard work, and simple joys.

Gene was a graduate of Breathitt High School and went on to attend Lees College. He served his country honorably as a veteran of the United States Army. After his military service, Gene dedicated many years to the coal industry as a coal truck driver for Falcon Coal. Later in life, he continued serving his community as a security guard for Kentucky River Medical Center through Storm Security before retiring.

A man who found joy in the everyday blessings of life, Gene loved gardening more than anything. Whether tending to vegetables or flowers, he found peace and purpose in the soil. He cherished time spent sitting on the front porch soaking up sunshine and visiting with people-always ready with a story or a warm smile. Known for his culinary skills, Gene was a great cook who especially enjoyed preparing soup beans and cornbread for his family.

Gene was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Wolverine, where he found spiritual strength and fellowship throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Wilma Faye Haddix Pelfrey; his parents, Daniel Boone and Eva (Adams) Pelfrey; and a host of siblings who went before him.

Gene leaves behind a loving family who will carry forward his memory: daughters, Rhonda Spencer (Charles) and Jennifer Hays (Philip); sons, Greg Pelfrey (Shelia) and Jeff Pelfrey (Ogie); granddaughters, Kelli Bush (Josh), Chelsea Hays, Abby Hays, and Katelynn Barnes; grandsons, Todd Pelfrey, Steve Pelfrey, Jason Ryan (Kirstie), and Dustin Pelfrey; great-granddaughters Dallas Banks, LaTisha Ryan, Emily Pelfrey, Alexis Pelfrey, Preslee Pelfrey, Abby Bush and Emma Bush; great-grandsons, Dawson Banks, Gabe Ryan, Damen Ryan and Jace Pelfrey. He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Lamb and brother, Rex Pelfrey; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who were touched by his kindness and warmth.

Visitation for Gene will be held Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Breathitt Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and his funeral service will be conducted Saturday, February 14, at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 AM with John Bunn officiating.

Burial for Gene will follow in the Haddix Family Cemetery at Wolverine with Todd Pelfrey, Steve Pelfrey, Jason Ryan, Dawson Banks, Dustin Noble, Josh Bush and Richard Knarr serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Jay Watts, Randy Carpenter, Mac Trusty, Hubert Hollan, Darren Pelfrey, Freddie Pelfrey, Eddie Pelfrey, Dustin Pelfrey.

Gene's legacy is one of quiet strength, enduring love for family and community and an appreciation for life's simple pleasures. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

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