Eugene Edney, 79, of Elizabethton, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2015. at the Johnson City Medical Center. Eugene was born in Carter County, a son of the late Clyde and Ruby Shell Edney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, an infant brother, Billy Glen Edney, and Maynard Jack Edney; an infant sister, Evelyn Edney; a daughter, Robin Gail Colbaugh; and a grandson, David Rex Colbaugh II.
Eugene retired from North American Rayon, where he served 24 years as a machinist. He served as an active union officer of the Local 2207 U.T.W.A. for 20 years. He was a United States Marine veteran, having served in Korea, and he enjoyed helping veterans of all wars. He was a member of VFW Post 2166, the American Legion Post 49, Masonic Lodge #566 F&AM, he was the D.A.V. past Commander from 2004-2006 and Sr. Vice Commander for 12 years. He was a member of Valley Forge Christian Church. Eugene loved the outdoors — hunting, fishing, camping, sports and NASCAR.
Survivors include his son, Roger Edney and wife Barbara, Roan Mountain; two daughters, Kathy Eugenia Edney Rose and husband Bruce, Hendersonville, Tenn., and Sherrie Edney Stewart, Elizabethton; two brothers, C.J. Edney, Moore, S.C., and John Thomas Edney and wife Audrey, Elizabethton; one sister, Pasty Miller, Roan Mountain; eight grandchildren, Justin Irick, Brandon Irick, Amber Irick, Amanda Taylor and husband Patrick, Savannah Colbaugh, Bethany Rose Perry and husband Nick, Victoria Rose and Barry Edney; and five great-grandchildren, Korbin Hale, Olivia Trusler, David Rex Colbaugh III, Rylan Taylor and Easton Taylor. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Eugene Edney will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 26, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Pastor Randy English officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, in the Richardson Cemetery in Roan Mountain. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be John Edney, C.J. Edney, Barry Edney, Korbin Hale, Patrick Taylor and Chris Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Irick, Justin Irick, Chad Miller, Jerry Pruitt, Jack Tolley, Regina Sheppard, Robin Isaacs, Roy “Wimp” Carriger, Steve Chambers, Deacon Bowers and Bill Roberts. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, at 9 a.m. Saturday to go in procession. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Edney family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.