Joseph Eugene "Gene" Albritton

OZARK…Joseph Eugene (Gene) Albritton, 67, of Ozark, Alabama, passed away at home on Thursday, May 11, 2023. He was surrounded by family, following an extended stage IV melanoma battle.

          A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, Alabama.

           In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Melanoma Research Alliance https://www.curemelanoma.org. 

           Gene was born January 27, 1956, to Thomas Woodrow Albritton, Jr.  in Atlanta, GA. Gene graduated from Carroll High School in Ozark, Alabama in1974. Following graduation, Gene enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served our country for eighteen (18) years both in the United States and abroad, rising to Chief Petty Officer. 

           On November 15, 1981, Gene married Kathy Marie Ruble, also a graduate of Carroll High School in Ozark, Alabama. They went on to welcome two sons: Michael Keith Albritton on May 17, 1983, and John Gregory Albritton on May 16, 1985.

          After his Navy career, Gene returned to his and Kathy’s hometown of Ozark, Alabama with their two sons, to settle down. He began working as a contractor for the United States Army at Ft Rucker, where he remained for twenty (20) years. Following his career at Ft Rucker, Gene worked for Wiregrass Machine for ten (10) years, until his retirement in 2022.

        In 2 Timothy 4:7 Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul knew he would not survive his current situation. So, he clearly and boldly commanded Timothy to hold to the faith he had seen and lived. Like Paul, Gene was wise, accepted his fate, and knew he would not survive his situation, but that knowledge never stopped him from fighting the foe that does not discriminate, cancer. Therefore, Gene did as Paul and charged each of us to live our best lives, celebrate the small things, never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up, and always be grateful. Gene encouraged each of us to be a better person today than yesterday, and a better person tomorrow than today. His reasoning was simple: You never know what tomorrow will give or remove from your life, which is solid advice for everyone. 

        Gene was a family man and loved being outside, even if it was just to mow the grass or go hunting or fishing with his sons. Gene was a true family man, creative, fun, and especially enjoyed building LEGO Lego sets with his sons. He enjoyed grilling, fishing, canoeing, and he always had a project or a few he was working on. Technology was his favorite puzzle and he soaked up as much knowledge as possible, fully immersing himself into the world of technology. He loved learning and enjoyed drawing, then turning his drawings into blueprints, for various projects. 

        Gene fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.  He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Woodrow Albritton, Jr. of Idaho, and one half-brother. 

        He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathy Albritton; two sons, Michael (Mallory Hamilton of Missouri) and John (Ellie Parker of Ozark); one brother, Keith Albritton; his stepmother, Inge Albritton, of Idaho; four half-brothers; nieces and nephews; and extended family.