Eugene Runyons, 96 years old, peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on February 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. Affectionately known as “Daddy Sock”, or to many “Sock”,  was born on January 24, 1930, to the late Savella Davis and Randolph Runyons in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Eugene was a faithful and beloved member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for over eight decades, and joined the church at the tender age of seven. He happily served as a Deacon, on the Finance Committee, and helped the church in any capacity that was needed. Eugene was recognized for his noteworthy service to both the church and his community in 2019 with the I AM (Intercultural Advancement Ministries) Award.

Eugene was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp., and made ground-breaking history as Cleveland, Tennessee’s first Black mail carrier. For more than 30 years, he worked at the United States Postal Service until his retirement. He delivered more than mail; he showed humility and grace and was a trusted and familiar presence throughout the Cleveland community. His life exemplified how Christ commanded us to love our neighbor and to serve others humbly and sacrificially.

Eugene will forever be remembered as a patriarch, a pillar of strength, a humble servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and a man who saw the positive in unfavorable situations. He lived a life that embodied Christ-like ways, kindness, devotion, and an unwavering love for people. His extraordinary legacy, richly filled with blessings, joy, and treasured memories, will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Savella Davis; father, Randolph Runyons; special aunt and uncle, John and Rhoda Shiflett; sister, Lois (Rachel) Blair; son, Eugene Runyons Jr.; grandson, Spencer Woods; granddaughter, Roselyn Runyons; grandson, Eugene Runyons III; and aunt and uncle, Hazel and Robert Ramsey.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving children: Patricia Ragsdale, Candee (Milo) Ware, and Nathan (Shryle) Runyons; his goddaughter, Dale Enos; daughter-in-law, Shirley Runyons; niece, Felicia Blair; nephews, Titus Blair, Everette (Connie) Blair, and Michael Blair; special cousins, Margaret Tate and Lisa (Button) Smith; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.