Willie "Gene" Eugene Pillow

September 3, 1934 - July 22, 2012

Willie Eugene Gene Pillow, at the age of 77, made his transition to Our Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 22, 2012 in Little Rock, Arkansas. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 28th at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Jacqueline Ragin Olds officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 PM until the service hour at Heritage Funeral Home. Heritage Funeral Home is in charge and assisting the family with arrangements. Willie was born September 3, 1934 in Maury County and then moved to Cleveland Ohio in 1958. He was born to the late Joanna Jordan Pillow and the late Lem Pillow Senior. He was united to Barbara Ann Ragin Pillow in 1958. To this union, two sons were born. He was baptized and a member of Eagle Rock Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Gene was a faithful and loving husband and father who enjoyed fishing, traveling, playing cards, and being with his family. Gene's education began at Maury County Schools. He was an alumni of Carver Smith High School. After high school, he joined the United States Army in 1953. During his time of employment at Sherwin Williams Paint Company, he attended Cuyahoga Community College in 1976. Gene's employment history began at the Sherwin Williams Paint Company in 1964 until 1983. His second career began with the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company in 1985 and he retired in 1996. He is lovingly survived by his wife: Barbara Pillow. His children: Carrie "Skinny" Whitaker, Barvern Pillow, and Jerome Pillow. Two grandchildren: Cavelle Whitaker and Christina Pillow. Devoted sisters: Fannie Mae Pillow and Sarah Tate. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends. Gene was preceded in death by his sisters: Carrie Lee Jennings and Addie Lou Polk. His brothers Rufus H. Pillow and Lem Pillow, Jr. You may send condolences to the family at the top of the page.