Gene Curtis Pickens, 93, of Savannah passed away on December 16. He was predeceased by Carolyn Pickens, the love of his life and wife of 57 years.   After serving in the United States Air Force, he began a career with Kaiser Aluminum/Agricultural Chemicals that spanned more than 30 years.  That career brought him from his home state of West Virginia to Savannah in 1969.  Always an outdoorsman, he soon mastered the art of fishing the rakes and bars of Ossabaw Sound and pulling trout and reds from places with names like Ogeechee Cove, Raccoon Keys, Steamboat Cut, and Swash Point at times when no one else could.  He passionately loved baseball.  He maintained a 12+ year streak of watching every Braves game and complained about the relief pitching and managerial decisions in every one of them.     

Many reach the end of life wishing they had spent more time with their family.  Gene did not have that regret as he fully dedicated himself to his family.  He modeled how to be a husband, father and follower of Jesus to all of them.  He was a 40+ year member of Windsor Forest Baptist Church where he served several terms as a deacon and anchored the bass section of the choir and gospel quartet.

Gene leaves a living legacy of 32 lives which include his 4 children - Sherri Goodman (Jeff), Sandi Alderman (Tom), Jill Evans (Hal), and Steve Pickens (Heather), 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.  All loved him dearly.

He was blessed to have passed peacefully in his home with family present.  The family wishes to recognize and thank Dr. Mohammad Masroor, Dr. Mark Murphy, Hospice nurse Tricia Alderman and a host of other caregivers and friends for their amazing support and care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s name may be made to Hospice Savannah or Compassion Christian Church.

Visitation followed immediately by funeral service to he held on Wednesday December 20 at Fox and Weeks in the Hodgson Chapel in Savannah, GA. The family will receive guests from 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Funeral service led by Gene’s grandson, Jonathan Pickens, commences at 12:30 p.m.