Earl Eugene (Gene) Cooksey

Earl Eugene (Gene) Cooksey Calhoun, GA. From Blacksburg, SC Born in Gaffney, SC Gene Cooksey, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and coach, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at his home after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan McSwain Cooksey, daughter Amy Cooksey Gill of Duluth, Georgia, son Brian Eugene Cooksey of Dalton, Georgia, and his two beloved grandchildren Katie and Matthew Gill of Duluth, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruby Cooksey, his sister Joyce Cooksey Batchelor, and brother Richard Cooksey. A talented high school baseball player, Gene earned a college baseball scholarship and graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Education & Health. Gene spent his professional career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. His first coaching job was at York Junior High School in York, South Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Susan. Gene began his head coaching career at Blacksburg High School in his hometown of Blacksburg, South Carolina, serving as head basketball coach and assistant football coach. During his successful career in both South Carolina and Georgia, he was the head football coach and athletic director at Harleyville-Ridgeville High School in Dorchester, South Carolina; Pelham High School in Pelham, Georgia; Bryan County High School in Pembroke, Georgia; Metter High School in Metter, Georgia, and returned to Blacksburg High School to close out his career. Gene also served as principal of Pelham High School for 2 years and as head baseball coach and assistant principal at Claxton Middle School in Claxton, Georgia. During his 30 years in coaching and teaching, he impacted the lives of thousands of students and athletes and worked with many outstanding coaches, teachers, and administrators. Gene also earned many honors and awards, including: 8 time Coach of the Year; Athletic Director of the Year; Bryan County High School Teacher of the Year; and he was the winningest coach in the history of Pelham High School Football. Gene is a member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church and lived his faith and beliefs daily through his words and actions. In each community in which he lived, he worked tirelessly to give back and serve others. Gene is a retired member of both the Georgia and South Carolina High School Athletic Associations, was enshrined in the Blacksburg High School (SC) Athletic Hall of Fame, and nominated for the Mitchell County (GA) Sports Hall of Fame and the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Arrangements: The family will receive friends at Thomas Funeral Home on Red Bud Road in Calhoun, Georgia at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2014. A Celebration of Life Service conducted by Rev. Les Pollock and Pastor Ricky Pollock will be held at Thomas Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m., followed by internment at the Haven of Rest Memorial Park on Red Bud Road in Calhoun, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association. Pallbearers serving will be Wade Kelly, Jr., Durell Lynn, Casey McSwain, Scott McSwain, Taylor McSwain, and Mike Sale. Honorary Pallbearers will be all former players and coaches. Thomas Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements for Earl Eugene (Gene) Cooksey.