Edd Junior "E. J." Gentry, age 81, of Canon, died Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Born January 19, 1934, in Madison County, he was the son of the late Edd Gentry, Sr. and Rosie (Hill) Gentry. He was a retired farmer. Mr. Gentry was a member of Vineyards Creek Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sons: Fred Gentry, Jackie Gentry, and Wayne Owens; and sister: Sarah Wright.
He is survived by his longtime companion: Betty Jo Owens of Canon; son: Dwayne Owens of Hartwell; one grandchild; and siblings: Reba Hunsinger of Dahlonega, Bobby Gentry of Canon, Arnold Gentry of Dahlonega, Julie Sanford of Hattiesburg, MS, Homer Hunsinger of Monroe, Faye Danielson of Hattiesburg, MS, and Ray Gentry of Canon.
The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Lavonia Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home with Rev. Dorsey Holmes officiating. A private burial will follow in Vineyards Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. At other hours the family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers donations are requested to defray funeral expenses.