Obituary of Gene Luther Hartsell

Gene L. Hartsell, age 80, passed away on June 11, 2017. Born on May 10, 1937 in Phillipsburg, NJ to Mearmon and Jeanette Kenny Hartsell, Gene was raised in Pittstown, NJ, and graduated from North Hunterdon Regional High School. He served in the Air Force before entering his chosen field of microelectronics. He was the production manager of Matrix Test Equipment until his retirement in 2002. Gene loved to share stories of growing up in Hunterdon County, especially the tale of meeting his wife-to-be in the Women's Reformatory in Clinton, NJ (where she worked). He was a member of Bethlehem United Presbyterian Church. Gene had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, beekeeping and spending time on Fontana Lake. He was a creative and talented individual who could fix anything. For many years he was a leader in the Rolling Hills Girl Scout white water canoeing program. He moved to Wesser, North Carolina in 2008 to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Smoky Mountains that he loved. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the neighbors he came to know on Wesser Creek. He was preceded in death by an infant brother and brothers, Earl and Richard. Mr. Hartsell is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty Jean Gasaway Hartsell; a daughter and son-in-law, Janelle and Gary Heise of West Milford, NJ; a daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Richard Knoster of New Paris, PA; a daughter, Barbara (Bobbi) Hartsell of Pittstown, NJ; and 8 grandchildren: George, Megan (MJ), Nick, Fiona, Olivia, Scott, Brooke, and John, Jr (Jack). He also is survived by sister-in-law, Gertraude Hartsell and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 16 at 3:00 p.m. at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Lung Association of the Southeast, 6852 Bellfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216 or to the charity of your choice.