Harrison Rufus Gentry Jr.

Harrison “Pete” Rufus Gentry Jr., age 89 of Taylorsville, GA passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in his home he built in the early 70’s. . He was born in Rome, GA on September 21, 1936, to Harrison Rufus Gentry Sr., and Jewel Cline Gentry.

Pete is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Ivey Gentry; children, Randy Gentry, Lynn Gentry; grandson, Jeremy Gentry; parents, Harrison and Jewel Gentry; Brothers; Harvey Gentry, Cliff Gentry, J.B. Gentry, Hubert Gentry, and James Lee Gentry ; sisters,Ruth Mae Gentry, Velma Kiser, Martha Chapel, Emma Tate, Marion Teems, Mag Brookshire, and Dorothy Satcher.

He is survived by his daughter, Sonya (Mike) Lesesne; grandchildren, Niki (Dakota), Caleb "Calef" (Jessica), Dustin "Bubbs" (Allyson), Trey "Snook" (Jessie); great grandchildren, Gracelynn “Gracie”, Kennedy, Axel “Big Man”, Elijah “Little Man”; brothers, Ollen and Weldon (Joyce); nieces and nephews.

After completing the eleventh grade, Pete dedicated himself to working on his family farm before proudly serving his country as a Specialist (E-4) in the United States Army. During his military service, he was stationed at Fort Stewart, where he served as a Radar Operator. Upon the completion of his enlistment, he received an honorable discharge in recognition of his faithful service.

Following his time in the Army, Pete worked for Whitman's Candy and later drove a truck for Yellow Trucking Company. He also spent time laying carpet with Carpets of Dalton. Farming, however, remained his true calling, and he continued working the land for the rest of his life.

He truly loved life on the farm and took great joy in working in his garden. Pete had a passion for singing and cooking, and he always enjoyed telling stories that made everyone smile. When he wasn’t watching his favorite show Gunsmoke he was an avid sports fan, he especially loved watching NASCAR, football, and baseball. He was also a passionate hunter who cherished time spent outdoors. Pete was the same man on Sunday morning as he was on Saturday night.

He was famous for his quick comebacks and the laughter that followed. Many will forever be known by the nicknames he gave them.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Monday, February 16, 2026, in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home with Rev. Rodney Kennedy officiating. The interment will follow at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery with Caleb Gentry, Bruce Gentry, Charlie Gentry, Dylan Gentry, Ricky Teems, and Eddie Tankersley serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Monday from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm.

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave online condolences.