Wilmot Eugene (Gene) Motley

Published 7:05 am Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Wilmot Eugene (Gene) Motley, Jr., age 87, passed away peacefully May 12, 2020, at Emory Hospital Hospice in Atlanta. He was born May 20, 1932, in Lanett, and was the first of five boys of Wilmot Eugene and LaMerle Harrison Motley.

Upon graduation from Lanett High School in 1950, Gene enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and proudly served his country for three years. After his duties in the Army, he continued his education at Jacksonville State College where he was a member of the Jacksonville State tennis team and Vice President of the Student Government Association. Gene moved to Jacksonville, Florida after receiving his business administration degree to begin his career with the Standard Oil Company. After many years, he moved to Atlanta to work with Bank of America where he finished his career.

Dec. 1, 2001, Gene married the love of his life, June A. Townsend from Atlanta, and they shared 17 wonderful years together.

Gene was a faithful servant of God and was a proud member of the Lanett United Methodist Church. He continued his passion for tennis, playing for many years. Gene was also active in men’s softball, basketball and golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wilmot and LaMerle Motley; his wife June A. Townsend; his brothers David Motley and Bobby Motley; and his niece Cindy Motley.

Gene is survived by brothers, Jim (Julellyn) Motley and Larry (Shirley) Motley; nephew John Motley; nieces Melinda Hardwick, Media (Steve) Younce, Laurin (Jeff) Jennings, Marla (Phil) Merz and Tina (Steve) Strandburg; brother-in-law Jim (Sue) Auchmuty, sister-in-law Jane (Jack) Johnston, and nephew Ted Dudley; and numerous great-nieces and -nephews.

Due to the current restrictions, a private family memorial gathering will be held later.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lanett United Methodist Church in Gene’s memory.