John Henry Gentry

John Henry Gentry, 82, of Zama, Mississippi, was born on March 23, 1943, to William (Bill) and Georgia Lee Gentry. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was one of nine siblings. He went to his eternal home on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He spent most of his life on the Mississippi River. He began his river boat career at the age of 16 as a deck hand. He spent the next 60 plus years on the river boat and retired at the age of 76 as a river boat captain, and he served as a volunteer at Zama Volunteer Fire Department. John was dedicated to his work and his family. He was the person that everyone went to for advice. He never met a stranger and never let anyone go without something they needed. He loved with his whole heart.

John is survived by the love of his life of 62 years, his wife, Barbara Sue Gentry; daughter, Barbara (Trent) King; grandson, John Allen (Jessica) King; granddaughter, Amanda (Jason) Pender; great grandson, Bryce Goss; great-granddaughters, Makenzie (Lane) Stevens, Aspyn King, Madilynn King, Carrigan Pender, and Kelsey Pender; great-great-grandchildren, Cohen Stevens and Georgia Leigh Stevens; nephew, Kenny (Sherri) Gentry; brother, Bobby Gentry; sisters, Patricia Pounds, and Hilda (Bob) Myers; sisters-in-law, Pauline Gentry, Linda Gentry, Judy Little, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) and Georgia Lee Gentry; infant son, John Randell Gentry, sister, Helen (Henry) Allday; brothers, Woodard (Myrtis) Gentry, Clinton Gentry, Hap (Dorothy) Gentry, William “Snooks” Gentry; sister-in-law, Kaye Gentry; and brothers-in-law, Bill Pounds and Terry Little.

Serving as pallbearers are Jason Pender, Lane Stevens, Bryce Goss, Bryan Myers, Ray Ferguson, and David Ferguson. Serving as an honorary pallbearer, Robert Gentry.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Jordan Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Jordan Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Mars Hill Cemetery in Winston County, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital https://umc.edu/Development/Give-Now.html