Gene Ray Chitwood, age 88, of Lula, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Born in Lula, Georgia on June 23, 1937, he was a son of the late Luther S. Chitwood and Onie Jean Crenshaw Chitwood. Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 after 25 years of dedicated service. Following his military career, he was the owner and operator of Chitwood Pottery in Lula, where he continued a tradition of craftsmanship and hard work that was well known in the community.
Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose legacy of kindness, strength, and faith will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. As a child, he attended Hickory Flat Methodist Church and in recent years enjoyed the at-home ministry of New Haven Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Ricky Carroll; sister, Hazel Pear; and brothers, Billy Paul Chitwood, Charles Chitwood, Earl Chitwood, Bud Chitwood, and Sam Chitwood.
Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Lou Overby Chitwood of Lula; daughter, Rena Carroll; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Gina and Brandon Dodd; great-grandson, Raylynn Dodd; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will cherish his memory.
Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Hickory Flat Global Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Baker – Pastor of New Haven Baptist Church officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Grant Reeves Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends at the home, 3233 Highway 51 South, Lula, Georgia 30554, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
An online guest registry is available for the Chitwood family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
