ALBANY- Kenneth Eugene Willoughby, known affectionately as “Gene,” peacefully passed away on Monday evening, June 17, 2024, at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Albany, Ohio. He was born on November 22, 1934, in Gallipolis, Ohio, the son of the late Kenneth Revah Willoughby and Ethel Smith Bauer.
Gene’s journey through life was marked by a rich tapestry of accomplishments and passions. He graduated from Pomeroy High School as an outstanding student and pursued further studies at Ohio State University. In his early years, Gene established and nurtured an automotive repair business from its inception. Following this entrepreneurial endeavor, he dedicated 32 years of distinguished service to the Otis Elevator Company before retiring.
Gene’s early years were defined by his love for racing, where he excelled in dirt track racing, including Midgets, Modifieds, and Super-Modified cars. His adventurous spirit also led him to become a skilled motorcycle rider, participating in Cross-Country, Enduro, and Observed Trials events. Later in life, Gene discovered a passion for performance driving after attending Road Race School at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Beyond his racing exploits, Gene was a gifted harmonica player, earning a state championship and sharing his talents in Gospel Bluegrass groups at church and on weekends. He was deeply interested in his family’s heritage as the early 1900s water-powered Grist-Mill operators on the Shade River in Meigs County, culminating in the establishment of Willoughby Mills in 1986, where he crafted a portable milling operation producing corn and buckwheat products. Today, Willoughby Mills thrives under the stewardship of his grandsons, a testament to Gene’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his family legacy.
Gene is survived by his three children: Keith (Christy) Young of Nelsonville, David (Carol) Willoughby of Athens, and Lisa Willoughby of Carbondale, IL. He is also survived by four stepdaughters, Cheryl (Sherman) Fields of Columbus, Paula (James) Blake of Columbus, Regina (Larry) Williams of Columbus, and Jo Ann (Rod) Uhlig of Coshocton; two step-sons, Bill (Kathy) Siders of Columbus, and Richard (April) Siders of Harrisburg; nine grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and sixteen step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 19 years, Mona Siders Willoughby, his brothers Tom and Roger Willoughby, and his grandson Garrett Barr.
A funeral service to celebrate Gene’s life will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, at 2:00 pm at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, with Pastor John Pauley officiating. Burial will follow at Alexander Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Friday, June 21st, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, 24 Morris Ave., Athens, OH 45701. Memories, condolences, and expressions of sympathy can be shared online at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
In honoring Gene’s life, we remember a man of boundless passion, resilience, and love for his family, whose legacy will continue to inspire and resonate within the hearts of all who knew him.
