Gene Raymond “Cueball” Olaker, 76, of Newport, Tenn., formerly of Williamson, sealed his agreement with God and went home on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from Lifecare of Jefferson City.

Gene attended Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Newport.

Born January 2, 1936, Gene grew into a baseball star at Williamson High School and developed a lifelong love of sports, including billiards, which earned him his nickname. He worked a variety of jobs including a stint in law enforcement before finding a position in the Pocahontas Division of the Norfolk-Southern Railroad, where he served as a yard engineer until his retirement.

After retiring, he and his wife moved to the Smoky Mountains and enjoyed attending concerts and shows in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg throughout the year. Although he left West Virginia behind, he never left the sports programs at WVU and Marshall University and remained an enthusiastic supporter of both until his death.

He was veteran having served in the United States Army. A heart attack and stroke in 1997 curtailed his dancing abilities, but he remained loyal to the 50s music anyhow. A visit to his home would, more often than not, include listening to Fats Domino or some other popular 50s group, because no other music was ever that good.

Gene was predeceased by his parents and by his sister, Judy Hall; and brother-in-law, Doffie Hall both of Williamson.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Billie Jean Smith Olaker of Newport; his children, Lynn Smith, Gene Olaker, Jr., and Rick Olaker all of Georgia, and Kenneth Olaker of Dandridge; two daughters-in-law, Merrilyn Olaker of Georgia and Tammy Olaker of Dandridge; his brother and sister-in-law, Burl and Noka Olaker of Williamson; and his sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Nordi Gilliam of Michigan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and also leaves behind a host of friends and loved ones, including his beloved dog, Ginger.

Funeral services will be held 8 p.m. Thursday, June 7, in Manes Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Craig Ward officiating. Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 8, in Resthaven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday at Manes Funeral Home prior to the funeral services.

Family and friends may sign the guest register on line at: www.manesfuneralhome.com.

Manes Funeral Home in charge.