Mr. Russell Eugene Polk, better known as “Gene”, age 91, of West Jefferson passed away Monday at Ashe Memorial Hospital. A private family visitation and graveside service will be held on Saturday at Severt Family Cemetery in West Jefferson; with a memorial service to be held at a later date. Gene enjoyed playing bluegrass music and going hunting with his coon dogs. Mr. Polk is survived by his wife, Mary Smith Polk; a son, Jeff Polk, of West Jefferson; three daughters, Sue Miller, of West Jefferson, Janet Pardue, of Ronda, NC and Tina Davis of Lansing; a brother, Ralph Polk, of Cooleemee, NC; eight grandchildren also survive.