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.
In recent years, you would find 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.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie L. and Cleo Della Neeley Gillette; a brother Ralph Gillette; a niece Mildred Lee; and a granddaughter Amber Nicole Tilton.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law Gena and Steve Tilton of McMinnville; a son Greg Lee Gillette; two grandsons Kaleb and Nicholas Tilton of McMinnville; a sister-in-law Maureen Gillette of the Dibrell community; a special friend Jo Grace Lowery of Smithville; and many more friends and family.
High Funeral Home, McMinnville, was in charge of the arrangements.
SMITHVILLE REVIEW
Smithville, TN
April 17, 2013
Melvin Eugene Gene Gillette, 84

