Middle Georgia hiking pioneer left inspiring legacy on scouts, parks nationwide

Eugene “Gene” Marion Espy, a Middle Georgia native and the second person to ever hike the Appalachian Trail in a single trip, has died. He was 98 years old.

Espy left an enduring mark on outdoor enthusiasts across the U.S., according to several different organizations and those who knew him.

The man credited with being a devout servant to people and the environment died “peacefully surrounded by his family” on Aug. 22, according to his obituary.

He was born in Cordele, but also lived in Macon and Atlanta. He hiked alone through the entire Appalachian Trail, spanning over 2,000 miles across 14 states, over the course of 123 days in 1951.

Espy was inspired to take on the trek “to see God through nature,” his obituary said.

‘Soar high, Gene’

In 1943, Espy became Crisp County’s first Eagle Scout, according to a Facebook post by his original Cordele Boy Scout Troop 270 and the South Georgia Council, a branch of Boy Scouts of America.

“Soar high, Gene,” the South Georgia Council said. “Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

Espy was inducted into the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame in 2011 after he wrote the autobiography “The Trail of My Life,” and “inspired many to follow in his footsteps,” the Appalachian Trail Museum said in a news release.

“He has lived a life full of adventures including hiking, bicycling, spelunking, boating and motorcycling,” the museum said.

In another one of his quests, he took a 740-mile solo bicycle trip at 16 years old, according to his obituary.

The Georgia Institute of Technology alumnus worked for 30 years as an aeronautical engineer at the Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Espy “explored the world around him just for fun,” the museum said.

He was considered a “legend” and “beloved friend,” the Appalachian Trail Conservancy said on Facebook.

His vintage hiking equipment can be seen on display at the visitor’s center of Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, according to the conservancy.

A visitation with family and friends is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sept. 6, at Highland Hills Baptist Church, 1370 Briarcliff Road in Macon, according to his obituary. A memorial service will start at 11 a.m., with a reception afterward. Loved ones will also hold a private burial at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory, 12050 Crabapple Road in Roswell.

The family asked people to consider donating to the Appalachian Trail Museum, the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club or Highland Hills Baptist Church.