Eugene McEntire

Eugene McEntire, age 97, of Mt. Holly, North Carolina, died Friday morning, September 27, 2024, surrounded by his family at his beloved home. He was born July 13, 1927, in Shelby, N.C., the son of the late Robert William McEntire and Nancy Catherine Daggerhart McEntire. Gene was a World War II Veteran, serving the United States Navy on the USS Hanson DD 832 in the Pacific Theatre. He joined the Navy when he was 17 years old, having his dad sign for him. He wanted to serve his country and do his part. He never talked much about his time in the war but was proud of his time spent. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he joined the National Guard and served 4 years. Gene retired from the Union Oil Company after 33 years of excellent service, winning many safety awards. He always had a large garden each year so he could share vegetables with his family, neighbors and friends. Gene was there in his neighborhood giving a helping hand to anyone, by cutting grass, repairing what needed to be fixed, taking food to the shut-ins or whatever was needed. Each year at Christmas, he and Mom would make peanut brittle and buy tins so he could give their neighbors and church family a small gift to show their love and appreciation for their friendship. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Mount Holly and served as an active Deacon for many years until he wasn’t able. He loved his Sunday School and served as the secretary/treasurer. He took care of his wife and love of his life, Beulah until his death, always concerned for her health and comfort at home. Gene is survived by his loving wife of 76 years, Beulah Mae Ford; along with four children; Kathryn and Buddy Horton of Lake Wylie, SC., Janice & Allen Arthur of Ernul, NC, Timothy McEntire of Cleveland, SC, Randy and Rickie McEntire of Charlotte, NC.; seven grandchildren, Trea & Joanna Horton, Denise & Jerry Turner, Woody Arthur, Nick & Emily McEntire, Kelly & Matthew McNeill, Curt & Erin McEntire & Tim and Leslie McEntire, Jr.,16 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren also predeceased daughter-in-law Gayle McEntire.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 300 South Main Street, Mount Holly. Viewing will be before the service at First Baptist Church at 1:00pm until 1:45. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery on 1508 Charles Raper Jonas Hwy, Mount Holly, NC 28120.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church, 300 South Main Street, Mount Holly, NC 28120. Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is caring for Mr. McEntire's family.

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