05/24/2026
Gaines Eugene “Gene” Gravlee, 86, of Sumiton, departed this life on May 22nd, 2026. He lived a life of faith, love, and devotion to those around him. He will be remembered for his courage, steady presence, kind heart, and quiet strength that made others feel safe and cared for.
Family was at the center of Gene’s life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Ann (Spears) Gravlee, with whom he shared a life of partnership and devotion of almost 65 years. He is also survived by his son, Michael Eugene Gravlee, and Michael’s wife, Laura Frances (Golson) Gravlee; and his daughter, Linda Michelle (Gravlee) Cooke, and her husband, Stanley Kyle Cooke. Gene was a proud grandfather to Michael and Laura’s daughters, Rachel Laura (Gravlee) Lowery and Rebecca Ann (Gravlee) Waycaster, and to Stan and Michelle’s daughters, Heather Michelle (Cooke) Hill and Heidi Loren (Cooke) O’Donnell. Gene and Linda’s great-grandchildren include Owen Elijah Hicks, Jenson Ellis Hicks, Nolan O’Neal Lowery, Dawson Nixon Lowery, Ayla Grace Waycaster, Alexander Michael Waycaster, Etta Elizabeth Hill, Lucas Clifton Hill, and Christopher Cooke O’Donnell.
Gene was born on May 5, 1940 - one of eight children born to Walton Jackson Gravlee and Willie Mae (Roberts) Gravlee. He grew up in a family whose roots run deep in Alabama soil, the grandson of George Strother Gravlee and Ada Elizabeth (Sellers) Gravlee, and George Felon Roberts and Alma (Burton) Roberts, and he carried their stories and values forward throughout his life. One great-grandfather was Harvey Jackson Gravlee, and another great-great-grandfather was William Gravlee, the progenitor of the family in Alabama.
Gene served others throughout his life. He was both an Alabama State Trooper Sergeant and a U.S. Air Force Reserve Master Sergeant. He carried himself in both roles with integrity, fairness, and deep responsibility. Those who knew him saw a man who stayed calm in difficult moments, treated people with respect, and could always be counted on to do what was right.
Gene loved learning, preserving family history, and sharing those stories with others. As a historian and genealogist, he took great joy in honoring his family’s roots and ensuring those memories would endure. He published authoritative works on Alabama cemeteries. Gene was also a fi****ms expert and avid hunter who found peace in the outdoors. He enjoyed doting after Linda, hugging his kids and grands, a good laugh with friends, talking on the phone, a strong cup of coffee, a home cooked meal, baseball games, western movies, country music, southern gospel, time on his tractor, and too much more.
Gene slipped away from this life quietly to meet his Savior and suffer no more. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His family grieves his absence, but they are grateful for the life he lived, the example he set, the love he gave so freely, and the hope he had in Jesus. The family rests knowing they will see him again.
Services are scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Sumiton Church of God, 50 Hosanna Drive, Sumiton, Alabama. Visitation will begin at noon, and a Homegoing Service is scheduled to begin at 2:00pm. A graveside service will follow at New Horizon Memorial Garden, 5203 Hollis Goodwin Road, Dora, Alabama.
Pastors Lane Sargent, Tim Salors, and Harv Turner will officiate.
Honor Guards will be present from the United States Air Force and Alabama State Troopers to honor Gene’s life of service.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Alabama State Troopers.
Frankie Poston and Bell Funeral Home, Sumiton, is directing.
Online Condolences can be registered at Bellsumiton.com
