Richard Eugene "Gene" Ailey Sr., 79 , died Tues day, December 10 , 20 19 at the Golden Years Retirement Resort in Spring City.

A longtime resident of Spring City, Gene was the son of the late Mack and Josie M. Patterson Ailey.  He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force. Richard was an instrument mechanic and retired from the Tennessee Valley Authori ty after 35 years of service.  He loved gardening and was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his brother Vineyard Ailey and sister Margie Forrest er .

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Shirley P. Forrester Ailey of Spring City, his children Richard E. (Jill) Ailey Jr . of Spring City, Charles (Vicki) Ailey of Farragut, Tennessee, Kristina (Donnie) Salter of Hixson and Kelli (Chris) Morris of Spring City, 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will military honors will be held on Satur day, December 14 , 20 19 at 2:00 p m in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with the Rev. Roger Britton officiating.  Interment will be in the Spring City Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends Satur day from 12:00 p m to 2:00 p m at Vaughn Funeral Home.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of arrangements.  Please visit our website at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com to share memories and condolences with the family of Richard "Gene" Ailey.