Eugene Mann joined the Heavenly Choir September 23, 2018. He was born on March 10, 1931, in Rector, Arkansas and was the son of Edward Everett and Artie (French) Mann Foster. He attended school in Grapevine, Nimmons, and Carryville and moved to Piggott in 1942 and attended school. He joined the Army at age 16, serving one year, Air Force two years, and Navy five years. He served aboard Bon Homme Richard and Oriskany during the Korean War. He served as Cook, Baker and Butcher. While home on leave in March 1955, he met the love of his life, Jan Lea Underwood. They were married June 23, 1955 and to this union four children, Gwen, Teresa, Janice, and Jim, were born. After his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Piggott. He joined the First General Baptist Church and was a faithful member. He was a Sunday School teacher, Superintendent, and he sang in the choir. Quite often he sang solo. For over 35 years he was part of the Church Nursing Home Ministry and led singing. He worked at Brown Shoe Factory in Piggott for four years. After that he went into the meat slaughtering and processing business for over 20 years. During this time he taught several High School meat judging teams. They went to state competitions several times. Eugene was a strong supporter of the Piggott 4th of July Picnic. For several years, he managed a hamburger stand for both the General Baptist Church and the youth of the church. Later he would work in the BBQ stand sponsored by the VFW. One of the highlights of his life was to be chosen as the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July Picnic. He was also a strong supporter of the Clay County Fair. He managed the Fair kitchen three or four years. He and his wife also entered several exhibits in the Fair each year, winning over 271 Blue Ribbons, 161 Red Ribbons, 94 White Ribbons, and two Best of Show. He worked with the Department of Human Services for several years taking care of food pantry for the community, filling boxes as need. He also started the food pantry in church through the brotherhood and worked several years doing what was needed. He went to Camp Allen at least three years and worked in the kitchen for Youth Camp. He was President of Little League at least four years and during that time they built new ball fields and restrooms. He also sponsored a little league team two or three times he got buses and took the boys to St. Louis to see a Cardinal baseball game. He was a member of VFW and for several years he cooked their fish supper on meeting night. He also cooked chili for Veteran's Day. He planned and organized the only Veterans Day Parade in Piggott. He was always reaching out to people in need whether it was giving money, food, or a place to stay overnight. He loved gardening and shared his vegetables with friends and family. Some of his happiest days were spent fishing with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They all have their own story to tell. He was an avid sports fan. He was a strong supporter of the Piggott Mohawks, Arkansas Razorbacks, and St. Louis Cardinals. He could talk to anyone about sports. He loved God and was quick to give Him the praise for stopping his addiction to alcohol over 60 years ago and smoking over 30 years ago. He loved the United States of America and was proud to serve his country. He thought Piggott, Arkansas, was the best place in the world to live. He was a faithful loving husband and a good father and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his father, Everett Mann; mother, Artie Jewell French Mann; two brothers, H. F. "Buddy" Mann and Adon Mann; three sisters, Albertine Smith, Billie Bucy, and Patricia Jane Cote. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Jan Lea Mann of Piggott, Arkansas; daughter, Gwen (Ed) Jordan; daughter, Teresa (Frankie) Mann; daughter, Janice (David) Copelin; son, Jim Mann; seven grandchildren: Melanie, Natasha, Shawn, Caleb, Jim, John, Andrea, Michelle, and Julie; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; brother, Bobby Joe (Sunny) Mann; sister, Frankie Towne; brother-in-law, Larry (Eleanor) Underwood; sister-in-law, Betty (Bill) Cash; sister-in-law, Kathy Mann; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at 11:00 am at the First General Baptist of Piggott in Piggott, Arkansas, with Bro. Chris Brantley officiating. Burial is in Piggott Cemetery in Piggott, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Caleb Morris, Jim Copelin, John Copelin, Ricky Cote, Ronnie Cote, and Dalton Morris. Honorary pallbearers are Don Roeder, Don Featherston, Lester Edwards, Bill Moody, Ed Morris, Alan Morris, Van Taylor, Elmo Hollis, Jeff Stephens, Jim Threat, Darrell McCrillis, Jeff Benbrook, Chris Tarno, Roger Morris, and Marshall Potts. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott, Arkansas, is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation is Tuesday from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home in Piggott, Arkansas.