Veteran Gene Wayne Raburn

Gene Raburn, 80, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama passed away on January 17, 2024 at theTuscaloosa VA Medical Center after a heroic battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy (Gresham) Raburn; son Ross Raburn (Carmen) of Keller, Texas; daughter Shea Raburn Blaylock of Tuscaloosa; four grandchildren: Sam Raburn, Julia Raburn Smith (Luke), Winston Blaylock and Hudson Blaylock; one great grandchild: Adalee Smith; and two sisters: Faye Short and Joyce Pittman.

Gene was born on July 14, 1943 to Lloyd and Gladys Raburn in Jasper, Alabama. He graduated from Walker High School where he lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track. He received a scholarship to run track and play football at the University of Alabama for the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He played on two National Championship teams and was the starting fullback on the 1966 team that finished 11-0.

While at the University, he enrolled in the ROTC program and received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in the DMZ in South Korea with the 4th Army missile command. He took advantage of the opportunity to both coach and play football throughout the Asian Theatre. After an outstanding Army career, he entered the coaching profession at Escambia County High School in Florida. He received his masters and education specialist degrees from the University of Montevallo where he coached the men’s tennis team. His career in administration included tenures as Principal of Glenn Oaks Elementary in Birmingham, Assistant Principal at Walker High in Jasper, and Principal of Good Hope High in Cullman County. One of his greatest strengths was building student confidence to prepare them for success in life.

After retirement, Gene and Judy moved to Tuscaloosa where he enjoyed golf, grandkids, and his coffee table conversations with friends.

A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date by his family.