Mr. Edward E. (Gene) Christopher, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020 at Madison County Memorial Hospital under the care of Big Bend Hospice, Tallahassee. Gene was born August 15, 1937 to George Abbott and Lena Hall, and later adopted by William Christopher.
Gene was a USDA Food Inspector. He worked at Sunnyland Meats in Moultrie, Ga. and Dixie Packers, Inc. in Madison. He retired in 1996 with the USDA after 31 years of service. He then continued private consulting work with the meat industry for another 10 years. Gene was always referred to as Doc by the Dixie Packers employees.
Gene graduated from Marion County High School in Buena Vista, Ga., and attended several colleges and universities gaining certificates and other credentials that enhanced his ability to perform his meat inspection duties.
Gene was a lover of the outdoors. He loved horses, dogs, camping, fishing, hunting and playing his guitar and harmonica.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; and stepson, Kevin Blair.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Verona Blair-Christopher; his daughter, Julie Lawrence; two stepsons: Daryl and Mike Blair; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Isom; three brothers: Will, Joe and Mike Christopher; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Interment will be held at Tazewell Cemetery, Tazewell, Ga. with Rev. Lanier Roberts officiating on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. People attending are required to wear masks and adhere to social distancing due to COVID-19. There was no visitation or services in Madison also due to COVID-19. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations be made to Big Bend Hospice, Tallahassee.
All arrangements are under the control of Burns Funeral Home Madison Chapel, Madison.
Friends may sign the guest book at burnsfuneralhomes.com.