Richard "Gene" Eugene McAvoy

Richard Eugene “Gene” McAvoy, age 66, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 15, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. After years of struggle, Gene walked into heaven on healthy legs. Gene was born on December 15, 1957, to Richard and Ethel Glover McAvoy in Wynne, Arkansas, where he developed his love of fishing. After graduating from Wynne High School in 1976, Gene attended Arkansas State University before beginning his 44-year career at the Wynne Area Office of the United States Army Corps of Engineers in June 1979. Gene served as a Construction Quality Assurance Representative for the first fifteen years of his career before serving as a Civil Engineering Technician until his retirement. Throughout his service, Gene worked on many construction projects administered by the Memphis District and Wynne Area Office. His achievements had a direct impact on the successful completion of numerous USACE missions and projects, not only around Arkansas and Tennessee but throughout other states as well. Gene responded and deployed in support of several Emergency Operation Hurricane Relief missions and many District Flood Flight missions, where his performance earned him several performance awards. Throughout his career, Gene was proactive in identifying problems as they arose and helped resolve difficult issues. More importantly, Gene built lifelong relationships and friendships with his USACE coworkers, partners, and stakeholders. Gene retired from the Wynne Area Office in August 2023. Gene along with several local fishermen held a strong desire to share their love of bass fishing with others, and in 1973 they formed the Wynne Bass Club. Gene remained an active member of the Wynne Bass Club until health issues forced him out of the boat; however, his love for all things bass fishing and his desire for future generations to get out on the water never left him. Gene could and would sit and talk fishing all day. Gene’s love of fishing was rivaled by only one thing—his love and devotion for his wife, Mona. Gene married Mona Sanders on October 9, 1993. The couple loved their cats and loved to travel. They especially loved traveling with Keith and Tracy Huffstuttler to watch Haley play softball with the Fireballs and the Wynne Lady Yellowjackets, where “Uncle Gene” and “Aunt Mona” quickly became everyone’s favorite fans. Gene was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Ethel McAvoy. He is survived by his loving wife, Mona McAvoy, of the home; his brother, David McAvoy (Denise) of Wickes; special niece Kristen Morningstar (Michael) of Wynne; niece Lisa McAnally (Tre) of Perryville; nephew David McAvoy of Jonesboro; and 7 great nieces and nephews. Gene is also survived by lifelong friends who became family: Keith and Tracy Huffstuttler, Haley Huffstuttler, Chris and Holly Campbell, Cole, Caitlyn, and Easton Campbell, and Cade and Mallory Campbell, all of Wynne. Gene leaves behind a host of friends and fellow fishermen who will miss him dearly. Gene was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he had an enormous heart and loved others. Gene will be remembered for his love and dedication to Mona, his love of fishing, friends, and family, his great storytelling, and his infectious laugh. Visitation for Gene will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Kernodle Funeral Home from 2 PM until 3 PM. Graveside service will follow at 3 PM at Cogbill Cemetery. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guestbook at www.kernodlefh.com

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Richard "Gene" Eugene McAvoy

October 15, 1957 - May 15, 2024