Roy Eugene "Gene" Covington

Roy Eugene “Gene” Covington, of Canton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026. He was the oldest child and son of Andrew “Andy” and Cleo Covington.

Gene was a lifelong resident of Canton, where he grew up working on cars and enjoying his passion for drag racing. He was a member of the first graduating class of Cherokee High School in Canton, graduating in 1957.

Gene was a devoted husband, loving father and “Daddy,” caring friend, and a man who never hesitated to help others. He was married to his beloved wife, Patricia “Pat” Armstrong Covington. One of his greatest goals in life was to help those who were less fortunate and encourage them in achieving their own goals.

Gene’s love of automobiles remained with him throughout his life. He could often be found working on cars, a passion he continued until the Lord called him home.

For 40 years, Gene proudly worked as a flight engineer at Lockheed Martin Aerospace Company in Marietta, Georgia. He frequently said that the C-130 was “his baby.” He also worked in the classified area of the F-22 program and, true to his word, never spoke about that work.

Another special love in Gene’s life was his golden retriever, Coach. Coach was his faithful companion, riding in the front seat of Gene’s truck and following him wherever he went. Their bond was a reflection of Gene’s gentle and loyal nature.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Cleo Covington; his brothers, V. Lamar Covington and William “Stanley” Covington; his brothers-in-law, Gary F. Armstrong and Paul E. Wilson; his sisters-in-law, Martha Covington and Linda Covington; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis Joseph and Virginia M. Armstrong; and his niece, Andrea Wilson.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Patricia Brooks Covington; his children, Vicki Covington Gollner (John) of Woodstock, Georgia, Stephen “Steve” Covington of Woodstock, Georgia, Sharon Brooks Ellis (Randall) of Cartersville, Georgia, and Tanya Brooks (Shoun) of Marietta, Georgia; his grandchildren, Grant Gollner (Dallas), Andrew Gollner, and Alaina Ellis (Sean); seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Gene will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for cars, his dedication to his work, his generous heart, and the many lives he touched through his kindness and willingness to help others. He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, hard work, and compassion that will continue through his family and friends.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, August 26, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Darby Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Darby Funeral Home, with Rev. Ken May officiating. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Covington family.