MSgt Melvin "Gene" Eugene Gillette

Smithville, TN resident and DeKalb County, TN native MSgt Melvin Eugene "Gene" Gillette, age 84, was born February 13, 1929 and after a long illness, passed away unexpectedly April 14, 2013. The retired owner/operator of Gillette Service Center, retired United States Air Force veteran of twenty years of the Korean and Vietnam war and a member of the Baptist Church, he was the son of the late Charlie L. and Cleo Della Neeley Gillette. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Ralph Gillette; niece, Mildred Lee; and granddaughter, Amber Nicole Tilton. He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Gena and Steve Tilton of McMinnville; one son, Greg Lee Gillette; two grandsons, Kaleb and Nicholas Tilton of McMinnville; sister-in-law, Maureen Gillette of the Dibrell Community; special friend, Jo Grace Lowery of Smithville, TN; and many more friends and family survive. He was a member of American Legion Post 173, VFW Post 5064 and the Lions Club. He was a volunteer for many years with the VA Hospital. Recent years found him going to yard sales and flea markets in search of that rare find to add to his collection of "stuff". He was an avid collector of antiques and other finds. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2013 in High's Chapel with Bill Hall officiating. Burial will follow in New Union Cemetery, DeKalb County, TN with full military honors administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at High's.