Gene Patrick Adkison

Gene Patrick Adkison (Pat, G. Pat, or Coach Pat) died 28 May 2025 in his home in Glencoe Alabama. He was 89 years old.

Coach Pat was was born in Earlytown Alabama. He graduated from Samson High School, where one of his passions was playing football.  He completed a Bachelor's degree at Troy State University, where he played football and tennis on scholarship.  He completed a Master's degree majoring in education at the University of Alabama. He was nearing completion of PhD studying recreational therapy and education at the University of Alabama when he chose to prioritize family responsibilities.

Coach Pat taught in high schools and coached high school football before beginning a long career as head tennis coach at Gadsden State Community College, where he also taught several different courses in health and physical education. Coach Pat also officiated high school basketball, football, and baseball. He officiated College basketball and wrestling. Equaling or surpassing his career as a tennis coach, Coach Pat served many roles in the USA Amateur Softball Association at the national and state level. After playing, he became an umpire, and then the Alabama Umpire in Chief.  He became a district commissioner, then the Alabama State Commissioner for many years.  He was elected three times as President of the USA Amateur Softball Association.

Coach Pat is in numerous hall of fames at the county, state, and national level for his roles as a coach, a sports official, and a softball commissioner.

Coach Pat was preceded in death by his wife, Linda (Messer) Adkison, seven months ago.  He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Miller (Jeffrey), his son, Greg Adkison (Karen), his granddaughters, his youngest brother, Louie Adkison, his sister-in-law, Eva Adkison (Charles, deceased), and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Earlytown Church of Christ Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, with Pittman Funeral Home of Samson, directing.  In lieu of flowers, Coach Pat urges family to donate to the Early Town Cemetery via Maury Coale, 648 Cassie Road, Kinston AL 36453.

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