Willis Eugene (Gene) Akridge , 73, of Nacogdoches, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021, in Tyler, Texas.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 10, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.  John Jernigan will officiate.  Interment will follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Center.

Born October 31, 1948, Gene is the son of Luther Akridge and Edna Avis Adkison Akridge.  After high school graduation in 1968, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and stationed in Alaska, where he was trained as a medic. Later, he retired as a maintenance supervisor at Cal-Tex Lumber in Nacogdoches.  In his spare time, Gene enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He was known to friends and family as the "Crappie King".  Some of his hobbies included gardening and cooking, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family and his three dachshunds – Tucker, Sadie, and Chloe.  Gene was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Nacogdoches.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 49 years, Zandra Akridge of Nacogdoches; children, Amy and husband Justin Spraggins of Nacogdoches, Ashley and husband Justin Toomer of Chireno, and Jimbo Akridge of Nacogdoches; grandchildren, Abigail Spraggins, Luke Spraggins, and Ethan Spraggins of Nacogdoches; brother, Billy Akridge of Center; also numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Luther Akridge and Edna Avis Adkison Akridge; sisters, Carolyn Fenley, Joyce Chandler, and Susan Toomer; brothers, Jimbo Akridge, Benny Joe Akridge, and Danny Akridge.