Gary Benton McEntire, age 82, of Demorest, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in the Habersham Mills Community of Demorest on July 16, 1943, he was the sixth of seven sons born to the late Norris Edward Sr. and Connice Fry McEntire.
Gary worked for Habersham Mills Corporation (later Russell Mills Corporation), retiring after more than 38 years of dedicated service. He also worked as a produce manager with Ingles in Clarkesville for over 20 years. Gary was a quiet, humble man with a sharp sense of humor. Above all, he was a loving husband, brother, devoted dad, and cherished Papa. Gary was also a faithful member of Line Baptist Church in Alto, Georgia.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Linda Adams McEntire; daughter, Lynn McEntire; and brothers and sisters-in-law Ed Jr. & Edna McEntire, Walter Jay & Ruthelene McEntire, George Randolph & Ruth McEntire, Charles K. Sr. & Barbara McEntire, Harold McEntire, and Larry McEntire.
Survivors include his daughters, Lisa McEntire Barrett (Randy) and Kimberly McEntire; grandson, Robert Gary “Robby” Barrett; caregiver, Sarah Durand; sisters-in-law, Illa McEntire and Nancy McEntire; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating. Interment will follow in Habersham Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made in memory of Gary to Line Baptist Church, 3847 Old Hwy. 441, Alto, GA. 30510
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center for their kindness and care during Gary’s sickness.
An online guest registry is available for the McEntire family at mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
