Eugene "Papa Gene" Baldree, 85, of Nashville, died Tuesday March 26, 2019 at his residence after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

He was born March 5, 1934 in Lanier County to the late Isaac Baldree and the late Myrtle Kent Baldree. He was a retired Senior Master Sergeant United States Air Force with 20 years of service. He was an air traffic controller and served in both Vietnam and the Korean Conflict. After his retirement from the Air Force, he worked as a postal carrier for the United States Postal service where he retired after 20 years of service. He was a member of the Nashville United Methodist Church and was preceded in death by his wife: Melba Clanton Baldree. He was also preceded in death by a sister: Lonie Mae Ledford and a brother: Isaac Baldree, Jr. He loved riding motorcycles with this truest friend Dr. Henry Richbourg.

He is survived by 2 daughters: Diane (Eddie) Williams of Woodstock and Judy (Bruce) Bailey of Valdosta; son: Michael (Marie) Baldree of Nashville; 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Friday March 29, 2019 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Landon Alberson officiating. Interment will follow in the Nashville Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Visitation is Thursday from 6 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Tift area Hospice.