Berlon Truman Gentry went home to be with Jesus on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the age of 88. Berlon was born in Murphy, North Carolina, and lived in Georgia most of his life. His sons, Jerry and Keith, met him with outstretched arms.

A proud retiree of General Motors in Doraville, Georgia, he retired in 1992, where he worked as a trainer, teaching new employees how to do their jobs. He also had a landscaping and grading business on the side. How he worked both is a miracle.

He is preceded in death by his sons Jerry and Keith Gentry; his parents, Burt Gentry and Zelda Davis Gentry; his sister, Jane Gentry Carrigan; and his brother, Jack Gentry.

Berlon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He grew up hunting in the mountains of North Carolina with family and friends. He passed that love of hunting on to his sons, taking them hunting from an early age. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He even did the NASCAR experience for his 60th birthday, driving a race car at 140 mph.

One of his greatest passions was bluegrass music. He loved playing his banjo and guitar for anyone who wanted to listen, often turning ordinary moments into something special. One of his favorite songs was "Cripple Creek" by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Whenever he was having a tough day, playing that tune would instantly turn his frown upside down — a small ritual that brought comfort and joy to the whole family.

Berlon lived a life defined by hard work, faith, humor, kindness, wisdom, and a deep, unwavering love for family and friends. His encouragement touched countless lives. He leaves a legacy that will continue through his family and friends he loved so deeply, and through the many people he inspired with his always cheerful smile and words..

Berlon is survived by his wife Shirley, his two daughters-in-law Terri Gentry Busi and Leanne Gentry, his grandchildren, ( To all of them, he was simply "Dandy" — a name that perfectly captured the special, playful bond they shared.), JD Gentry (Shelby) and great-granddaughter, Octavia Gentry of Canton, Georgia; Rachael Gentry Bratz (Zackery) of Cartersville, Georgia; Schuyler Gentry (Ashley) of Acworth, Georgia; John Gentry (Jorie) and great-grandsons Miles and Mason Gentry of Jasper, Georgia; Hannah Gentry of Birmingham Alabama; and Harrison Gentry (Johnna) of Mount Vernon, Georgia. Brothers, David Gentry (Kathy) of Murphy, North Carolina; Melvin Gentry (Ruthie) of Murphy, North Carolina; Wayne Gentry of Murphy, North Carolina; sister, Marie Gentry Dockery (Dennis) of Murphy, North Carolina. He is also survived by four sisters-in-law who loved him dearly: Brenda Poss and Wanda Flanagan of Winterville, Georgia; Amber Wideman of Harlem, Georgia; and Frieda Williamson of Ila, Georgia.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, July 15 at 2 pm at Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock, Georgia, with Rev. Andy Stanley officiating. The family will receive friends at Lakeside Funeral Home on Wednesday from 12:30 pm until the hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Samaritan's Purse or a charity of your choice in his memory.

The Twenty-Third Psalm – the Divine Perfection

1. "The Lord is my Shepherd!" -- Perfect Salvation.
2. "I shall not want". – Perfect Satisfaction
3. "He maketh me to lie down in Green pastures." – Perfect Rest
4. "He leads me beside still waters" – Perfect Refreshment
5. "He restores my soul." -- Perfect Restoration
6. "He leads me in the paths of righteousness." – Perfect Guidance
7. "I will fear no evil." – Perfect Protection
8. "Thou are with me." – Perfect Company
9. "Thy rod and thy staff" – Perfect Comfort
10. "Thou preparest a table." – Perfect Provision
11. "My cup runneth over" – Perfect Joy
12. "Goodness and mercy shall follow me." – Perfect Care
13. "I will dwell forever." – Perfect Destiny