Gene was born on September 3, 1928 in the Gentry community, the youngest child of Taylor and Leona Thompson. Gene grew up with a deep love of and great talent for the game of baseball, but he turned down the opportunity to play professionally to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon returning from his enlistment, Gene continued to be involved in sports in the Upper Cumberland, eventually passing that passion on to his own child and grandchildren.
Gene was a Christian and an active member of Holladay Church of Christ until he was unable to attend due to declining health. He worked for many years in the hardware business, forming strong relationships built on honesty and respect with family-owned businesses across the Upper Cumberland. He was a kind and loving husband, caring father, and doting grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his current wife of nineteen years Martha Gentry Thompson of Cookeville; daughter-in-law Kim Thompson of Cookeville; step-daughter Pam Miller and her husband Paul of Cookeville; sister Juanita Bobbitt of Hendersonville, granddaughter Marissa Scott and her husband Drew of Cookeville; grandson David Thompson of Soddy Daisy; three great-granddaughters, Emery, Avery, and Cambry Scott of Cookeville; as well as extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna Lee Thompson; son, Mike Thompson; three brothers, Cordell, Frank, and Clarence Thompson; and eight sisters, Irma Lynch, Ola Mae Thompson, Carrie Mathis, Vola Vaughn, Beulah Bentley, Opal Hale, Gorda Hill, and Zora Holmes.