W. Gene Flowers

W. Gene Flowers, 73, passed from this life early Friday morning, February 12, 2021 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Linville and Louise Flowers, and his in-laws, Bill and Nell Bryant.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Peggy Flowers. Also surviving are his children, Gina Lin Flowers Lindsay (Kip), Renaugia Flowers Allmon (Jimmy) and W. Seth Flowers (Nicole) and her daughter, Maggie. He was the very proud papaw of Cole Flowers (Courteney), Zoie Flowers (Connor), and Silas Allmon. He was also very proud of his only great-grandchild, Waylon Flowers.
Gene was employed for 42 years by Bowater, Inc. where he made many treasured friends, but he thoroughly enjoyed his retirement and hobbies. He was an avid gardener, marksman, and self-proclaimed chef who loved to torment his friends with pictures of his creations and mouthwatering comfort food! He loved hiking and biking and enjoyed anything connected with nature.
A big part of his life since the mid-1980s was serving with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department, especially in providing essential assistance to the criminal investigations division and training divisions.
He faithfully served under Sheriff Robert Lawson, Dan Gilley, Tim Gobble, Jim Ruth, Eric Watson, and Sheriff Steve Lawson. Much of that time was spent training officers on the range and helping hundreds of citizens qualify for their handgun carry permits. Ironically, when he was in Memorial during his illness, he was recognized by one of the nurses as one of the instructors in her handgun carry class. He was one of the only two persons to achieve the rank of Captain during his time in service.
It is with much hesitation that individual names be mentioned at all, but these names are so important to him and are such close and loyal friends. They include Ron Akers, George Campbell, David Young, Charlie Haney, Bryan Harbor, and the late Jack Damoth.
Regretfully, COVID and health issues prevent a public service from being offered.