Funeral services for Master Sergeant Melvin Eugene “Gene” Gillette, 84, of Smithville were held April 17 at High’s Chapel. Bill Hall officiated with burial following at New Union Cemetery in DeKalb County with Military Grave Rites conducted by the VFW Post 5064 and the American Legion Post 173.Mr. Gillette, after a long illness, passed away unexpectedly on April 14 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. He was the retired owner/operator of Gillette Service Center; retired from the Air Force after serving 20 years and in the Korean and Vietnam wars; was affiliated with the Baptist Church; a member of American Legion Post 173, the VFW Post 5064 and Lions Club; and was a volunteer for many years with the VA Hospital.