Bro. Gene Kirkley, 85, of Center, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Shelby Regional Medical Center. He was born December 25, 1926 in Shelby County to A. Rex Kirkley and Anna Hearne Kirkley. He graduated from LSU with a degree in Forestry and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Bro. Kirkley was an ordained Baptist minister, a retired rural mail carrier, and a newspaper columnist and radio host for "East Texas Outdoors." Bro. Kirkley served in leadership of many civic organizations in Center & Shelby County. He was a avid hunter, fisherman, rancher and cowboy.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at First Baptist Church in Center with Rev. Carl Smith, Rev. Michael Hale and Dan Kirkley officiating. Interment will follow at Clever Creek Cemetery in Shelby County.

Pallbearers will be Rex Kirkley, Rick Kirkley, Tom Watkins, Clint Porterfield, Steve Engle and Tem Morrison. Honorary pallbearers will be George Bowers, Charles Bryant and Dr. Joe B. Hooker.

He is survived by
Wife of 65 years: Joyce Kirkley of Center

Son: Richard Kirkley and wife, Louanne of Center

Daughter: Jena "Candy" Engle and husband, Steve of Jefferson

Grandchildren:
Rex Kirkley of Center
Rick Kirkley of Center
Renee Swain of Colorado
Shelby Stennett of Colorado

Great Grandchildren:
Rex Austen Kirkley
Shyanne Swain
Kala Kirkley
Faith & Grace Kirkley

Sister: Mrs. Velma Bell of Lubbock

Nephews:
Rex Luis Hyer of Ft. Worth
Freddie Jane Goff of Dallas
Marge Choate of Center
Anne Utley of Dallas
Dan Kirkley of Belton
Steven Bell of Dallas

Preceded in death by:
Daughter: Colleen Kirkley
Parents: A. Rex Kirkley & Anna Hearne Kirkley
One Sister: Vivian Hyer
Brother: Dr. A. Rex Kirkley

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity or organization of your choice.