Marshall Eugene Winstead

Marshall Eugene “Gene” Winstead, Sr., age 73, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

Gene was born on February 10, 1950, in Shelby, North Carolina, and was raised by the late Pervie and Isabel Huffstetler. He graduated from Dallas High School in North Carolina. He also earned a bachelor's degree from Gaston College.

Gene was a proud and decorated Army Veteran. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam and he was a Bronze Star Medal recipient.

Gene had an entrepreneurial spirit that  led him to pursue many careers and interests in his lifetime. He was particularly well known for his success as a world class Koi breeder. He made several trips to Japan to meet with champion Koi breeders. He also is well known for his significant research into Koi health as well as water filtration techniques.

He  was exceptionally intelligent and tech savvy , but he also loved to cook, sing, dance, travel, ride horses, and tell stories.

Gene loved life  and enjoyed it to the fullest. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn Louise Winstead and his siblings, Rosetta Huffstetler Propst, Joseph Lepley, and Roger Winstead.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Marshall Winstead, Jr., nieces Marla Lepley Starr and Pam Lepley and grandnieces and nephews, Alexandra Seamon, Willa Carpenter, Kaela Kiser, and Devon Lepley-Starr.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is honored to serve the Winstead family. (423-282-1521)