Carol Gene Doss

Carol Gene Doss, aged 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the UT Medical Center in Knoxville with family by his side. He was the third and youngest child born to Oscar F. Doss (Oct 1, 1904-1986) and Bertha A. Crusenberry Doss (Oct 13, 1905–1984) on June 15, 1929 in Pennington Gap, VA. His sisters were Launa Doss (Oct 23, 1923-2001) and Lavada Doss (1925-1940). He attended college at LMU in Harrogate, TN (1947-1950) where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, was the Mathematics Award Recipient (1950), Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities (1950), and a notable pitcher for the Railsplitters baseball team. Gene was the winningest pitcher for the Smoky Mountain Conference Game in 1949 where he struck out 14 batters and went 2 for 4. He also pitched a No-Hitter game, a 1-Hitter game and had a batting average of .326. These accomplishments earned him a position as a professional baseball player with the Pennington Gap Miners States League in 1950 and induction into the LMU Athletes Hall of Fame. While attending school at LMU, Gene met his future wife, Juanita Huskey and they married March 24, 1951. Soon after marriage, he was drafted into military service on June 13, 1951 at age 22. He served in the Korean War and was based in Chorwon, South Korea from Oct 26, 1951 to Jan 1953 where he became Battalion Sergeant Major in 151st Engineer Combat Battalion. Upon his return from military service, he continued his education at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1953-1955) where he earned a Master of Science degree. His thesis was titled, “Transformation Semi-Group of Degree Three.” Following completion of his MS degree, Gene taught mathematics at Maryville College, Tennessee (1962-1964) and then became a full-time tenured mathematics professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1953-1962, 1964-1996). He retired from UTK in 1996. Gene was also a notable residential contractor in the Knoxville area. He and Juanita were instrumental in establishing Martha Washington Heights in the early 1960s and he built over 28 residential houses in the southeast during his career. He was a loving and inspiring father to their three children Byron David Doss, Carol Elaine Doss, and Melanie Doss Young. He bestowed upon them the continued pursuit of knowledge and the fortitude to accept the challenges placed before them for which they are deeply grateful. He was a devoted husband for 65 years and doting grandfather to Erin Lindsey Galbraith, Adam Wesley Young, and Sarah McClellen Young. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and beloved wife. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and son-in-law Chad Lee Young. The family will receive friends Friday, May 17 at Church Street United Methodist Church Chapel, Knoxville from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. Family and friends will gather at the Emerts Cove Cemetery at Pittman Center on Saturday, May 18 for a 1:00 PM military funeral service with the Rev. Gordon Ridenour officiating. Pallbearers are Byron D. Doss, Adam W. Young, Jerry R. Huskey, Olin Doss, Leonard “Rocky” Huskey, and Gregory D. Shanks. Honorary Pallbearers are Tyler C. Huskey and Dwight Maples.

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Carol Gene Doss

June 15, 1929 - May 8, 2024