Clarksville, TN – Clarksville Obituary: Eugene Bryan Grubbs, known to family and friends as Geno, passed away on October 21st, 2026.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in his honor 12:00pm on Tuesday October 27th, 2026, at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home with Dr. Bobby Reed Officiating. The Grubbs family will receive friends from 10:00am until the hour of the service at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Clarksville Police Department Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers.
Geno was born in Nashville, Tennessee on October 12th, 1949, to Mildred and Stanley Grubbs. A proud graduate of Austin Peay State University, Geno served his country in the United States Air Force before beginning a long and distinguished career with the Clarksville Police Department. During his years with the department, he also served as president of the local Fraternal Order of Police.
He ultimately retired as a Lieutenant and the department’s Public Information Officer. Among his proudest professional accomplishments was establishing the Citizens Police Academy, an initiative that strengthened the relationship between law enforcement and the community he cared so deeply about.
Retirement did not mean the end of Geno’s public service. He continued working for the people of Clarksville, serving three terms as a city councilman, including two years as Mayor Pro Tem. Whether wearing a police uniform or serving in city government, Geno was dedicated to making a difference in the place he called home.
Above all else, Geno loved his family with all his heart. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He also had a deep love for his country and his community, along with a lifelong enthusiasm for trains, the Tennessee Vols, and Atlanta Braves baseball. He also enjoyed his many years of coaching little league and junior pro football. Those who knew Geno will remember his commitment to service, his love for the people around him, and the lasting mark he left on Clarksville.
Geno was preceded in death by his parents, his brother in-law, Lee Engles, and his precious granddaughter, Samantha “Sammy” Grubbs, who passed away in August.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Deborah (Wydra) Grubbs; his sister, Linda Engles; his daughter, Amy Grubbs Jackson (Scott); his sons, Bryan Grubbs and Charley Grubbs (Theresa); and his stepson, Matthew Wydra (Laura).
He was a loving grandfather to Victoria McGaha (Jarrett), Carter Jackson (Haleigh), Mary Bailey Grubbs, Thomas Grubbs, Lucky Wilson-Grubbs, Andrew Grubbs, and Montgomery, Jaxon, and Adalynn Wydra. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Mason and Remi McGaha. He leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and members of the Clarksville community whose lives were touched by his service and friendship.
Geno gave his heart to his family, his city, and his country, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to BWC Camp Rainbow in Geno’s memory.
PO Box 1253, Clarksville TN, 37043
About McReynolds-Nave and Larson Funeral
Serving the families of greater Montgomery and Houston county areas
For more than 100 years, McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home in Clarksville, TN, has been serving the families of greater Montgomery County and Houston County. We are one of the many funeral homes in Clarksville, TN, that understand the importance of offering quality services. From start to finish, your family can trust that our caring and knowledgeable staff will be here to assist you every step of the way. We offer affordably priced funeral , cremation , and memorial services that are designed to meet your family’s needs and budget.
With two locations to serve you, our funeral homes in Clarksville, TN, and Erin, TN can help you honor your loved one and say goodbye. Each year, we help hundreds of families in the area say meaningful goodbyes to their departed loved ones.
Our staff is comprised of some of the most experienced, knowledgeable, and caring funeral professionals in the industry. We understand that the loss of a loved one is a difficult time for a family. Our compassionate team will work hard to help you arrange a service that not only celebrates the legacy of your loved one but also provides your family with the closure and goodbye you need. From the first call to long after the service has ended, our team will be here to provide you with the resources and guidance you need.
We pledge to honor your loved one with dignity, respect, and personal attention to every detail. With two beautiful facilities, 24/7 service, and caring and knowledgeable staff, we are confident your family will have peace of mind in knowing that our family will be here for you when you need us.
For more information, visit their website at www.navefuneralhomes.com
