Eugene Lee Schlenz " Gene", of McRae, Georgia, passed away at his home on September 7, 2015. He was born in Kankakee, Illinois on March 11, 1946.

He graduated in 1964 from St. Patrick's High School and served in the Army, where he was stationed in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. He graduated from the Governor's State University in University Park, Illinois in 1973 and was a member of The Knights of Columbus.

Gene was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in McRae-where he happily served as the church's Music Leader.

He worked for Roper for 25 years-he moved his family from Illinois to Savannah, and eventually to McRae, GA in 1986 where they made their permanent home. Since his retirement from Alcoa in Carrolton, Gene was affectionately known as Mean Gene on the STAR 102.7 Radio's Morning Show as a Disc Jockey.

He was also was a Golf Fanatic, playing almost every day-and on many courses around the United States and he loved going fishing.

During Football Season, Gene cheered on the Nittany Lions of Penn State and the Chicago Bears. During Baseball Season, he cheered on his beloved Chicago Cubs.

An Avid Music Lover of all genres of music, he was a self taught Piano and Guitar Enthusiast. And was one of Elvis' Biggest Fans.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Linda Schlenz-McRae, Georgia; children, Michelle (Wendell) Phillips-Trussville, Alabama, Michael (Shelly) Schlenz-McRae, Georgia, Melissa (Bill) Barnawell-St. Louis, Missouri, Molly (Glenn) Giles-McRae, Georgia; grandchildren, Emilee and Mary Beth Schlenz-McRae, Georgia, Mitchell and Catherine Phillips-Trussville, Alabama, Rory Barnawell-St. Louis, Missouri, Keegan Giles and the soon-to-be-Kassidy Bell Giles-McRae, Georgia; brothers /sisters, Don (Mary) Schlenz of Bourbonnais, IL, Jerry (Karen) Schlenz-Spring Valley, IL, Mary Lynn (Jimmy) Bridgewater-Bourbonnais, IL; brothers / sisters-in-law, Dorothy (the late Jess )Nash-Lawrenceburg, TN, Sybil Jane(the late Burt) Harlin-Lawrenceburg, TN, Joyce (Larry) Reed of Aroma Park, IL, Bob (Susan) Perry of Jackson, TN, Jerry W. Perry-Bradley, IL and Janice Kaye Perry (Vic) Quakenbush-Kankakee, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Schlenz and Loretta Hayes Schlenz Wilde; granddaughter, Bell Barnawell; and sister, Joan Schlenz Poitras.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10 at the funeral home.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2015, at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in McRae, GA. Burial will follow in the Telfair Memorial Gardens, McRae.

Father Mike Smith will officiate.

Flowers are welcome, however, contributions to American Cancer Society, Community Hospice of Vidalia, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or a charity of your choice will be appreciated.

Please express online condolences at lowesfuneralhome.net

Lowe's Funeral Home of Helena, Georgia has charge of the arrangements.