Eugene Carrithers

Mr. Eugene “Gene” Carrithers, also affectionally known as “Pop” or “Gorilla”, was born on April 30, 1940, to the loving and late Nathaniel Carrithers and Virginia Anderson Carrithers (White) in Gainesville, GA. He peacefully departed this life on February 29, 2024, surrounded by his sweet wife, Emma, and close family. 

Gene was well-known in his hometown of Gainesville, GA, throughout his primary schooling for his athletic talent. In high school, he was a quick and powerful running back, known for his elusiveness amongst opponents and ability to gain rushing yards despite tough defensive linemen. He, along with the talented members of the Fair Street Tigers, were pivotal in the integration of high school football despite ongoing segregation in Gainesville, GA, in the late 1950s. 

The Fair Street Tigers would go on to win back-to-back high school championships during the years of 1956-1957 under the tutelage of head coach E.L. Cabbell and Carrithers’ game-winning championship touchdowns. This was one of the many highlights of his life, often travelling to Gainesville from his home of Albany, GA, to see his close friends and reminiscence on the impact he made through sports. Due to his significant contributions, he accepted the induction of the championship team into the Gainesville Athletics Hall of Fame in April 2019 as the last living member of the team. Many Gainesville historians stated “Everybody idolized Gene (for his talent)...He was just something special. [Gene] was probably the precursor to Barry Sanders (National Football League’s Hall of Fame running back). He was just that good.”

Despite an explosive high school football career, educational scholarships were scarce due to segregation. He served in the United States Army for 2 years and 10 months in Germany. Gene held many jobs, but his main priority was always his family. He would meet the love of his life, Emma, in Gainesville, GA. They were married into wedded bliss in August 1959. He was her protector throughout his life, and they remained together for 64 years until his peaceful transition. Upon this union, three children were born: a set of twins, who transitioned shortly after birth, and a son, Gene Carrithers, II. His parents; sister, Patricia Borders; sister-in-law, Bettye Robinson; and brother-in-law, Charlie (DeLesta) Baker preceded him in death.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Albany, GA, prior to his death. He served as a dedicated usher board member and enjoyed spending time with Emma at church prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. He thoroughly enjoyed gospel singing and loved listening to quartet groups, such as The Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Sensational Nightingales. His feisty personality and quick wittiness will truly be missed by those who love him most. 

In his passing, he leaves his loving family members to remember his legacy: his loving and devoted wife, Emma Carrithers of Albany, GA; one son, Gene Carrithers II of Albany, GA; two granddaughters, Dr. Bria Carrithers of Birmingham, AL, and Brandi (Kaelin) Jenkins of Columbus, GA; two grandsons, Jay Ponder of Jacksonville, FL, and Courtney Jackson of Atlanta, GA; former daughter-in-law, Carol (Michael) Fowler; one brother-in-law, Charles (Patricia) Borders of Gainesville, GA; three nieces, Heather Borders of Gainesville, GA, Rhonda Baker of Albany, GA, and Santayana (Conrad) West of Stone Mountain, GA; six nephews, Lorenzo (Veronica) Robinson of Stone Mountain, GA, Antonio Robinson of Albany, GA, Keith (Marcella) Mimbs of Albany, GA, Donny (Audrey) Mimbs of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Charlie (Gloria) Baker of Albany, GA, and Charles “Chuck” (Jennifer) Borders of Gainesville, GA; one great-grandson, Kai Jenkins of Columbus, GA; a lifelong friend in Aaron Hicks, and many loving cousins, extended family members, and friends.

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