Thomas Eugene “Gene” Acton, of Orrville, Alabama, passed away on October 29, 2011 at the age of 85.

Gene loved the Lord, his family, his country, Alabama football and his wife, Lil, who lit up his life. He was larger than life. Gene believed in working hard and playing hard. He leaves behind memories of days spent on the Alabama River followed by fish fries and dancing. Gene was the one on the water skis, rope swing or jumping off Chimney Rock. Everyone who knew him has special memories of him. We are comforted in knowing he is celebrating in heaven.

He was a member of Orville Baptist Church and the Elks Lodge. Mr. Acton was a Navy World War II Veteran and served in the Pacific.

Mr. Acton is survived by his wife, Lillian Acton; sons, Mike (Deborah) Acton and Bud (Tina) Acton; daughters, Carole (Tom) Davidson and Linda Arnold; stepsons, Brad (Judy) England and David (Debra) England; stepdaughter, Suzanne (Eric) Fisher; brothers, Ty (Martha) Acton, Wade (Jenny) Acton, Don (Mary) Acton, Larry (Rose) Acton, Roddy (Frankie) Cahoon and Kenneth (Janiece) Acton; sisters, Beth Acton and Ellen (Bobby)Smith ; grandchildren, Allen (Dani) Rich, Tammie (Brad) Moore, Tracey (Robert) Potts, Nathan Acton, Shane (Jennifer) Lutz and Samantha Acton, step-grandchildren, Brandon and Keenan Mathis, Ronnie (Tammy) Ammons, Heath (Amanda) Ammons, Lindsey Corkren, Ashley England, Cody Corkren; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Selma Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Don Acton officiating and Selma Funeral Home directing. The visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment and the graveside service will follow at the Acton Memorial Cemetery in Birmingham, Al at 3:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Allen Rich, Shane Lutz, Brad Moore, Nathan Acton, Brad England and David England. Honorary pallbearers will be Keenan Mathis, Ronnie Ammons, Heath Ammons and Jim Brunson and members of the Sunday School Class at Orrville Baptist Church.

Flowers will be accepted, or you may make donations to your favorite charity in Gene’s honor.

You may go online to http://www.selmafuneralhome.com to view the obituary, sign the guest book, offer private condolences and view the video tribute.