Gerald Douglas Entrekin, 86, of Columbia, passed peacefully on July 5, 2021, at Covington County General Hospital. He was born to Matthew and Gladys Entrekin on November 21, 1934, in the Enon Community. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he spent hours witnessing to anyone that would listen. He grew up attending Enon Baptist Church, and was a member at several churches over the years, but at the time of his passing, he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Columbia, MS.

He was a veteran serving in the Army in the early 50s. Once his tour of duty was done, Gerald attended and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in engineering. After graduating he worked in the oil business in Houston, TX, for a few years before deciding to return to Columbia. Once home, he bought and managed a Firestone Tire store for five or six years. During this time, he felt called to be in the ministry and enrolled in New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He sold his business and devoted his full time to studying. He graduated with a Master's of Theology, one of the top ten highest ranking graduates. His full intent was to pastor a church.

Sadly, his dream of filling a pulpit was cut short by a mental health disorder in the early 70s. It forever changed the course of his life, and that of his family. While Gerald never got to fulfill his call of the ministry, he found purpose in doing odd jobs, yardwork and writing. He was moved to the VA Nursing Home in Collins in February of this year at his request. As his sister, nieces, and nephew cleaned out his apartment, they found notebooks full of beautifully handwritten sermons that he had compiled. Truly, the desire of his heart was to serve God. He managed to do that by the only means left to him – by telling anyone who would listen and writing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Gladys McBride Entrekin, his sisters, Jimelle Entrekin Hudson, and Jo Evelyn Entrekin Johnson, a nephew, Stanley Johnson all of Columbia, and a niece, Jan Hudson of Nashville, TN.

He is survived by his sister, Linda Entrekin Eubanks (Mike) of Oloh, two sons, Doug Entrekin (Sally) of TX, and Romney Entrekin (Ashley) of Laurel, MS. Several grandchildren and great grandchildren that he loved deeply. He is also survived by nieces, Tracey Hudson Countz (Caston) of Columbia, Jill Hudson of Sacramento, CA, Kim Eubanks Aultman (Danny) of Oloh, Carol Eubanks Covington (Ed) of Madisonville, LA, Beth Johnson Robertson (Bob) of Columbia, and nephew Edwin Johnson (Sandy) of Columbia. He also leaves behind a first cousin, John Darrell Thornhill of Waxahachie, TX, that was like a brother to him.

A private family memorial will take place at the Enon Baptist Church cemetery where he will be buried next to his parents. Friends are encouraged to make a donation in his honor to Calvary Baptist Church, Columbia, MS.