Visitation
Gene Edward Hollifield, 86, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026 at his home in Marion, NC.
Gene was born on May 8, 1939 to the late Mae Taylor Hollifield and Delmar Tom Hollifield. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his sister, Wanda Hollifield Creson.
Gene grew up in Marion, NC and graduated from Marion High School and Gardner Webb University.
He proudly served in the US Army Reserve for thirty years. Baseball was a passion of Gene's and while being a member of Kiwanis, he coached the Kiwanis baseball teams for twenty years. He also coached West McDowell Junior High baseball for five undefeated seasons. Gene coached baseball at East McDowell Junior High for three seasons.
Gene is survived by his wife, Charlene Cadle Hollifield; his daughter, Debbie Ayers and her husband, Jim, of Huntersville, NC; grandson, Zack and his wife, Margaret; great-grandchildren, Max and Asa of Cornelius, NC; granddaughter, Maddie of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Sherry Bryan and her husband Fred of Salisbury, NC; granddaughter, Bess Pomajzl and her husband, Brayden of Charlotte, NC; grandson, Luke of Salisbury, NC; son, Eric Hollifield and his wife, Jennifer of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Nick of West Palm Beach, FL; granddaughter, Lauren of Atlanta, GA; step-children, Scott Sisk and his wife, Katherine of Elizabethtown, KY; grandchildren, Robert of Hawaii; Chaz of Huntington, WV; Anna of Huntsville, AL; and Jenni Frye and her husband, Ryan of Newton, NC; and grandchildren, Connor of Hickory, NC; Cailin and Morgan of Newton, NC. Gene leaves behind many special friends who loved him dearly.
A celebration of Life will be held at 1pm, Saturday, May 2, 2026 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 339 S. Main Street, Marion, NC with the Rev. Dr. Erin Kirby, Rev. Dn. Kerry Davis, and the Rev. Laura P. Myhr officiating. Interment will follow at the church columbarium. The family will receive friends in the parish hall following the service.
Donations in Gene’s memory may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 339 S. Main Street, Marion, NC 28752 or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 374 Hudlow Road, Forest City, NC 28043.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Leave a tribute for Gene Edward Hollifield.
Sorry for your loss Glory to God
Gene was truly "one-of-a-kind" and we will be missing him. He was a wonderful "quasi-grandfather" for our side of the family. His personality was the prototype of a really good baseball coach...stern, yet compassionate. He touched the lives of many young ball players in McDowell County. Watching MLB on TV, I can easily see him coaching in the dugout...chewing a cigar. - - - He's walking a ball-field now....headed to the outfield and into the corn. We will all miss him.
Charlene, So sorry to hear of Gene's death. You and the family will be in my prayers.