Eugene Howard (Gene) Trammell died peacefully in Carrington Place at Botetourt, Daleville, VA at the age of 90.
Gene is survived by his children Eugene Byron (Colby) and wife, Trudy of Fincastle, Patrick Lee and wife, Maureen of Charlottesville, Chyleen Trammell-Bradley and husband, Henry of Manassas; grandchildren; Kimberly (Trammell) Ericson and husband, Jason of Mechanicsville, Matthew and Bryan Trammell of Charlottesville, Christin, Henry (Leigh) Jr. and Alanna Bradley of Manassas; great grandchildren, Sadie and Andrew Ericson of Mechanicsville; siblings, Raymond Donald (Mick) and wife, Doris of Tampa, FL, and Billie Orita (Trammell) Fletcher of London, KY.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Lee (Steele) of Salem; and his parents, William Henry and Martha Evaline (Moore) Trammell and Roberta (Engle) Trammell of Corbin, KY.
Gene was born on August 11, 1928 in Corbin, Whitley Co. KY. to Martha (Eva) Moore and William (Bill) Trammell. Eva died when Gene was a toddler; he was lovingly raised by Bill’s second wife, Roberta. Following graduation from Corbin HS in May 1946, he and sixteen of his classmates enlisted and trained together, Company 179 USNTC Great Lakes, Great Lakes, IL. Gene completed Hospital Corp School at USNTC Bainbridge, Port Deposit, MD. He married Virginia Lee (Babe) Steele, his high school sweetheart, while on leave in July 1946. He had ward duty at Sampson Naval Hospital (NY) and served as 1st Pharmacist’s Mate, 3rd Class at Brooklyn Naval Hospital (NY); he also played for their military baseball team. After completing his service, Gene utilized the GI Bill to attended Union College (KY) where he not only played for his college baseball team but played for the Barbourville, KY Class D baseball team as well. Amazingly, he managed to support his family by working on the L&N Railroad, play for two baseball teams and graduate in only 3 years (1951) with a B.S. degree in biology and physical education.
He moved his wife and two sons to Dunlap, TN to take a teaching/coaching position at Sequatchie Co. HS. After six years, many successes and the birth of his third child, Gene moved his family to Salem, VA. where he took a position with Pitman-Moore, Division of Dow Chemical, as a pharmaceutical representative. During his 33 years with Dow Chemical Pharmaceuticals, Gene earned many District, Regional and Community Service Awards; he was the National Salesman of the Year in 1965. Gene instilled in his children a love of the outdoors, taking the family on many camping/fishing trips and teaching his boys to hunt and play ball.
Gene was a dedicated individual who loved to talk to people and was passionate about all things “Salem”, especially Salem sports. He was a member of the Roanoke Valley Sports Club and an active and dedicated member of the Salem Sports Foundation for over 45 years, serving as President for 2 years. He also served as President of the Northside Athletic Boosters and the Andrew Lewis Pride of Salem Band Boosters for 2 years as well. Gene was an active member of Salem Baptist Church for 60 years, serving as an usher.
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, December 16,2018 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral is scheduled for Monday, December 17, 2018, 1p.m. at Salem Baptist Church, 103 N Broad Street, Salem 24153. Rev. Everett Kier will officiate the ceremony followed by military internment at Sherwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, grandson-in-law and members of the Salem Sports Foundation. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gene’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene’s name to the Salem Sports Foundation, P.O. Box 642, Salem, VA 24153.
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