Howard Gene Eslick of Cowan passed away on May 19, 2020 at Signature Healthcare of Monteagle. He was 88.
Gene was born on July 10, 1931 in Cowan and spent his entire life in his beloved hometown. After losing both parents at a young age, Gene supported himself by doing odd jobs and custodial work for residents and businesses. Later in life he took a full-time job at Cowan Stone Company while still doing night-time clean-up and maintenance at The Sampler.
Gene was best known as a local radio celebrity. His love of fact-finding and a near perfect memory landed him a special role on WZYX Radio along with his brother, Clarence. The brothers were co-stars in the daily “Heckle & Jeckle” radio show that listed fun facts from the day’s news along with the latest happenings around town.
Besides his role on local radio, Gene was among a group of men profiled by the Herald-Chronicle in 1995 as unofficial ambassadors for the City of Cowan. The small group of locals, known as “The Boys”, made the downtown railroad park a favorite place to sit, visit, and discuss the day’s news.
Mr. Eslick was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Eslick and Bessie Hornbuckle Eslick, brothers Russell Eslick, Walter Clarence Eslick, and David Eslick, and sisters Mrs. Clyde Wheeler and Miss Evalene Eslick. He was also preceded in death by a dear friend, co-worker, and caretaker, Mrs. Lynn Betty. Gene is survived by his neighbor, friend, and caretaker, Mr. Jarod Pearson of Cowan; and by lifelong friend and former childhood neighbor, Mrs. Dot Davidson of Cowan, whom he referred to as “Sister”.
Visitation will be held at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home on Friday, May 22nd from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A graveside burial service will be held on Saturday, May 23rd, 3:00 p.m. at Cowan Montgomery Cemetery with Senior Warden Jarod Pearson officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends and neighbors may want to send a memorial donation to the CCC Railroad Park Fund, PO Box 585, Cowan, TN 37318; or to Franklin County Animal Harbor, 56 Nor-Nan Rd. Winchester, TN 37398.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)967-2222, www.moorecortner.com
