Mr. Gene Dennerd Sowell, Sr., 81, passed away Friday (January 20, 2023) at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross following a short illness.

He was born in Waycross, GA to the late Robert James Sowell and Alma Steedley Sowell. He retired from CSX Transportation as a boilermaker after many years of employment. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Blackshear and the Misfits Sunday School Class. He also served in the United States Army.

Gene often enjoyed riding motorcycles and watching racing events. He was a very skilled woodworker who made cabinets and furniture for his own home and other family members. He also made many things for his friends. He simply loved the outdoors.

In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by three brothers, Bobby Sowell, James “Mutt” Sowell, and Omer Lee Sowell; and three sisters, Doris L. Fiveash, Eva Dell Pittman, and Eloise Duncan.

He is survived by his wife, Pat Sowell of Waycross; two children, Denny Sowell of Waycross and Ellen Tanner (husband Carlos) of Macon; one grandson, Jackson Tanner of Macon; a brother, Marcus Sowell (wife Jean) of Stone Mountain, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will be receiving friends at Music Funeral Home on Sunday (January 22, 2023) from 2 until 4 o’clock. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Blackshear. The family will also be receiving friends at the church on Monday from 1 until 2 o’clock.

The family requests members of the Misfits Sunday School Class to meet at the church on Monday by 1:40 p.m. to serve as honorary pallbearers.