Some people have great ideas and the ability to lead and inspire others. Some people are willing workers, with the persistence and energy to get things done. Some have a more creative, hands-on approach.

Memorial services were held Friday at Tellico Village Community Church for a man who possessed a unique combination of all those characteristics, and put them to work in his adopted retirement community to help others. 

Eugene C. "Gene" Burwell died Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Parkwest Medical Center, following a stroke. He was 79.

According to Roberta, his wife of 59 years, Gene first complained early Tuesday about a worsening "pain in his eye," or headache. Because he had undergone cataract surgery recently, the Burwells initially contacted his eye doctor. That doctor called emergency services and sent him to Parkwest for tests, Roberta said.

"This happened all at once," Roberta said. "He had a hemorrhage of the brain, and because he was on blood thinners, the bleeding was worse, and paralyzed him. It was nine hours from the time it started until he passed away. We didn't have time for the children to get here. It was a shock because he had been so active and we had been talking just that morning about how busy we were."

Gene and Roberta had retired and moved to Tellico Village from Florida in 1996. The couple had later joked that their plan for retirement was to "slow down" their busy lives- Gene, retiring from a career in managing water departments, and Roberta, from banking. Both soon became active in volunteer activities. 

Gene remained active in some volunteer activities to the day before his death. On Monday, he had worked at the Good Neighbors Shoppe, while the board held its annual meeting and elected new officers.

"We are in shock. Gene was an idea man, and the go-to guy for Good Neighbors Shoppe," said Jinny Wendel, who served as GNS board president and store manager until Monday afternoon. "He will be missed so much - more than most of our volunteers realize. He was the heart of Good Neighbors Shoppe."

In 2002, the Burwells had co-founded the not-for-profit organization. The tax-exempt, 501 (c) (3) provides basic supplies at low cost for those in need, while also raising funds to support other non-profits and to benefit the community as a whole. Last summer, the volunteer-driven institution reached a milestone mark of $500,000 in contributions to the community.

In an August reception celebrating that milestone, Gene and Roberta were honored for their contributions with resolutions by the Loudon County Commission and state Rep. Jimmy Matlock.

Burwell had remained a driving force in GNS from its inception. He employed his carpentry skills to build the brackets, shelves, containers and organizers that made the store run smoothly. He made dividers and work stations, and organized the warehouse. According to Wendel, he spent most of his time developing systems to make the re-sale shop function more efficiently. "He just had a knack for that sort of thing," Wendel said. "Besides his wife and family, it was his life; every night, he would think of something new to make it better. He put all his energy into it and was always looking for ways to improve it."

Burwell had turned his attention to insuring that the new Good Neighbors Shoppe building, for which construction is slated to begin this year, would be adequate to meet needs. He headed up the Good Neighbors Shoppe Building Committee.

Roberta said the Good Neighbors Shoppe board has purchased the land for the new facility, to be located on Leepert Avenue adjacent to the current facility, in leased space. The new building is at least 15 months from completion, she said, but much needed. "Last year, we distributed $118,000 to the community. There is much need, and we are trying to do the best we can. I've never seen people come together like this community."

In addition to Roberta, he is survived by children Michael and Anita, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.