Mr. Gene East, age 82, of Dallas, GA and formerly of Rockmart passed away suddenly Monday, May 13, 2013 at his residence. He was born in Silver Creek, GA on August 10, 1930 a son of Zeal East and Daisy Simmons East. At the age of three months his father died and his mother married Ralph Cagle. Mr. East was raised by Ralph and Daisy Cagle in Rockmart. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, retiring as a 1st. Sgt. with 22 years of service to his country. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star. Following his military career Mr. East became a successful business man within the community including many real estate ventures. Prior to the death of his wife, Mr. and Mrs. East loved to travel throughout the United States. Mr. East was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Dean Carruth East in June of 2002 and by a daughter, Pam Stegall in 1987. Survivors include a daughter, Dr. Jeanie East and husband Paul of Dallas, GA and a son, Mr. Johnny East and wife Martha of Rockmart; a brother, Mr. Roy Cagle of Rockmart; 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home with Shane Petty and Dr. Larry Davis officiating. Interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Grandsons serving as pallbearers will include: Jeff Groom, Tommy Groom, Bobby East, Derek Elliott, Chad Bullington, Nick Laas, Ray Tant and Barry Keown.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home. The Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for the funeral of Mr. Gene East. (Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home, Website, May, 2013)