Lester Eugene "Gene" Malone

Lester Eugene (Gene) Malone, age 79, from Cleveland passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2022, lovingly surrounded by his wife and children. Gene was born in Crandall, Georgia and was the son of the late Della Mae Welch and Lee Riley Malone. One of fourteen children, he is preceded in death by siblings James Malone, Joseph Malone, Thelma Cucksee, John Malone, Edward Malone, Mildred Merkel, Lola Finley, Robert Malone, Betty Henry, Daisy Rutledge, and sister-in-law Barbara Garry. He was also preceded in death by his lifelong friend Frank “Cotton” Cofer. Known colloquially as “Mr. Practically Perfect”, Gene lived his life serving others and was regarded as one of the finest automotive mechanics in Cleveland, often providing repair work pro bono to those in need. Later in life, he enjoyed a second career in computers and information technology. He enlisted in the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1965 and served as a non-commissioned officer, retiring after 24 years. During his military service, he trained to take part in national defense, contributed to disaster relief efforts, and deployed for policing details to maintain order during civil disturbances and public events. He volunteered with the local Sheriff’s department to provide eldercare visits and other charitable acts of kindness and enjoyed serving as a volunteer chaplain on behalf of the Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cheryl George Malone, son Carson Malone (Colette), son Michael Malone (Joy), and daughter Molly Massengale (Jeremy), six grandchildren, Abbegale Malone, Nathan Massengale, Phillip Massengale, Patrick Malone, Luke Malone and Lucy Kate Malone, and surviving siblings Joyce Green, Daniel Malone (RoseMary), Carl Malone (Gloria), and siblings by marriage Norman “Butch” George (Lois) and Elizabeth George Walters (Bruce). Additionally, he was blessed to be loved by a plethora of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends too numerous to name. Gene loved the Lord and was a pillar of the Malone Family and the community. A Remembrance of Life Service will be conducted Sunday, September 18th at 5PM at Peerless Road Church hosted by the Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services, North Ocoee Chapel, with Bishop Adrian L. Varlack, Pastor Adam Jones, and Dr. Joseph Bathe officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3 until 5 at the Church. An interment announcement will be forthcoming.Read Obituary