Sidney Eugene “Gene” Sankey, 87, passed away Saturday morning, Sept. 9, 2017, at Obici Hospital.

Gene was born in Amarillo, Texas, to Sidney and Cathalee Culberson Sankey. He grew up in Oklahoma, California and Texas. He graduated from Purdue University and made his career in the chemical industry, which took him to many parts of the country. He lived in Suffolk for many years.

Gene loved to hike and backpack in the mountains, was an avid birdwatcher and gardener and active in “grass roots” politics in Suffolk. He enjoyed travel and with his wife visited many countries of the world

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gail Sankey; his daughter, Sue Sankey Carver and her husband, Lloyd, of Snellville, Ga.; his son, Alan Sankey and his wife, Vicky, of Pearland, Texas; three grandchildren, Corey Carver, Erica Carver Scott and Joseph Sankey; and two great-grandchildren, Malachi Choba and Bella Scott.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Lake Prince Woods in the Portsmouth Room officiated by the Rev. Sarah Snell. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.