Mr. Charles Eugene “Gene” Gadilhe, 88, of Covington passed away March 28. Mr. Gadilhe was born in Ensley, Ala., to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gadilhe.

He grew up in Anniston, Ala., and graduated from Anniston High School where he played the trombone in the high school marching band. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, with his entire male senior class, and eventually served under General Patton’s 3rd Division during World War II.

While in the service, he met his wife Elizabeth, and after serving nearly three years, they married in New York City. Mr. Gadilhe attended Auburn University where he received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He was a member of the National Professional Engineer Honor Society — Tau Beta Pi, and the International Professional Engineering Honor Society — Pi Tau Sigma; and worked as a professional engineer in both North Carolina and Georgia.

In the past, he served as deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church, held offices in the Methodist Church, and was also a member of the American Orchid Society and the Atlanta Orchid Society.

Mr. Gadilhe loved his family dearly, was so proud of his six daughters, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Elizabeth (Mullaly) Gadilhe; daughters and sons-in-law Genie and David Blough of Mobile, Ala., Renee and Shelby Childers of Crawfordville, Michelle and Randall Sims of Collegeville, Pa., Cherie and John McElwrath of Crawfordville, Alisa and Bill Phloeger of Oxford, Nanette and Jeffrey Watson of Davidson, N.C.; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and sister Alice Gadilhe of Highlands, N.C.

A memorial service for Mr. Gadilhe will be held 11 a.m. tomorrow, April 1, at the First Presbyterian Church, in Covington, with the Rev. Dr. William B. Wade Jr., and Pastor Matthew Eugene Watson officiating.