Tuesday, September 17, 2024

James Douglas "Doug" Gentry

James Douglas “Doug” Gentry, 67, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024, at his home in Kosciusko, Mississippi, after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 17 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi, and at the funeral home one hour before the service. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 18 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverends Junior Davis, Jeremy Tillman, and Heath Hillman officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Ellison Ridge Cemetery.

Doug was born on October 24, 1956, to Wallace H. Gentry and Jean Eaves Gentry in Louisville, Mississippi. Doug was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and was a long-time member of Williamsville Baptist Church in Kosciusko where he developed many deep friendships that he valued greatly over those years. Doug was known for his laughter, quick wit, and smile. He was a proud graduate of the Louisville High School Class of 1974 and loved to cheer on the Wildcats in football every Friday night. Doug retired in 2017 after spending 32 years in the bread delivery business in and around Attala County. He was a hard worker, waking up around 2 a.m. for most of his career to provide for his family, and was meticulous about how his work was done. He learned to work hard early as he grew up working in the family business, Gentry’s Big Star in Louisville, with his mom, dad, and four brothers. He often said he was a graduate of “Big Star University.” Over the last 9 years, he has been a full-time Papa. Doug loved his three grandchildren very much who will miss “all his crazy jokes.”

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Lenita Cremeen Gentry of Kosciusko; and his sons, Dr. Dustin Gentry and wife, Dawn, of Louisville; and Shea Gentry of Noxapater, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Papa” to his granddaughters: Elizabeth, Evelyn, and Eleanor Gentry. He is also survived by his brother, Wallace D. “Bubba” Gentry; and sisters-in law, Ruth Gentry and Kathy Gentry; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Doug was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers: Terry Gentry, Larry Gentry, and Tim Gentry.

Serving as pallbearers are Chris Blackwell, Cole Cremeen, Cory Cremeen, David Dodson, Anthony Gentry, and Brad Hodge. Honorary pallbearers are the men of the Jimmy Williamson Sunday School Class. Memorials in honor of Doug may be given to Memorials in honor of Doug may be given to E3:20 Ministries, 3725 Dick Allen Road, Louisville, MS 39339.