Garland Eugene “Gene” Crabtree, age 78, of Rockwood, passed away in his home with his family by his side. He was the oldest of four brothers. He married the love of his life at 22. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and working on boat motors. He was very soft spoken and often known for his kindness. For 20 years, he drove a bus for Roane County Schools. This is where he became known as “Mean Gene”. He didn’t mind, he took a lot of pride transporting Rockwood sports teams and band members to away games. Home games he would always be found working in the concession stand with player’s parents. Even though he was a Kingston Yellow Jacket, he was a proud Tiger supporter. He never missed any of his grandchildren’s ball games. He is preceded in death by his parents: Tom and Juanita Crabtree; and brother: Dwight Crabtree. He is survived by his wife of 56 years: Patsy Treadway Crabtree; brothers: Wayne (Sandra) Crabtree of Kingston and Tommy (Sue) Crabtree of Harriman; children: Tammy Jones of Rockwood and Tina (Brian) Parsons of Rockwood; grandchildren: Todd (Shelby) Wright, Trevor Wright, Tyler (Kacie) Parsons, and Tori (Tristan) Mayton; and great-grandchildren: Tenley Wright, Tessie Wright, Tyson Wright, and Joseph Parsons. Cremation arrangements have been made and an interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations being made to the Rockwood Athletics Department. Checks can be sent to: Rockwood High School, 512 W Rockwood, St. Rockwood, TN 37854 Rockwood Athletics Dept. The bottom of the check has to be designated to the Athletic Department.