Richard “Turbo / Mean Gene” Pickens, 72, of Murphy passed away Monday, August 19, 2019 at his residence. Richard was known in Indiana as Mean Gene, but changed to Turbo when he returned to Murphy. He was a native of Murphy and a graduate of Murphy High School. He was a Vietnam War veteran, serving in the United States Army. He lived in Gary, Indiana and worked for Inland Steel for many years before returning to Murphy in 1985. Richard had a very inventive mind and was known for building “The Oak Tree”, which he designed and built by hand. He had a love for custom cars and vans and for driving fast cars. He loved kids and was known for being at many local sports games and had even traveled many miles to support the “Bomb Squad”, his niece's fast-pitch softball team. Richard contributed in many ways to support local athletics and his grandkids' football teams. He also enjoyed fishing. Richard was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church.

He was the son of the late Richard Jr. and Kittie Mae Smith Pickens.

Surviving are his companion, Virginia Dolly Oliver of Murphy; a daughter, Deanna Oliver of Murphy; a sister, Vivian “Bea” Pickens of Murphy; three brothers, Harry “H.C.” Pickens, Andre Smith, and Joseph Christopher Smith, all of Murphy; three grandchildren, Keishon Oliver, Kevon Allen, and Breanna Oliver; four nephews, Mark Pickens and his daughter, Kaiya Pickens, Kendall, Byron, and Naeem; 14 nieces, Traci, Veronica, Courtney, LeSean, Markita, Blake, Rayana, Aleisha, Tatyana, Ashli, Josslyn, Kyleigh, Biannca, and Kendra; two aunts, Delores “Grace” Pickens and Mary Hyatt Pickens; a sister-in-law, Mary Nell Pickens; a special cousin, Fred Kincaid, and a host of other cousins.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 25 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Revs. Bruce Oliver, John Webb, and Denise Pickens, and Elders Thelena Turner and George Dockery officiating. Music was provided by Farrah Eller and Marie Oliver. The interment was in Texana Community Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers were Kevin Nicely, Emmett Oliver, Jack Jackson, Irvin Brown, T.J. Moore, John Allen, Rodney Hill, and Earl McCullough. Honorary pallbearers were Paul Smith, Ray Smith, Andy Smith, Martin Allen, and Jerome Parrish.

The family received friends from 1-2:45 Sunday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.