Mr. John Edgar McEntyre

The Story Of A Legend “In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father In heaven.” Matthew 5:16 John Edgar McEntyre was born April 15, 1923 in Tryon, North Carolina to the late John and Estella McEntyre. He was the third of sixteen children. John was born and raised in Polk County North Carolina, where he was educated in the Polk County School System. He married the love of his life the late Emma Lee McEntyre on June 24,1950. They enjoyed 73 years of marital bliss and from this union two beautiful daughters were born. He was the proud father of Emma Luzeen Powers and Gina Marcella Thompson. They resided in Northeast Washington, DC. John served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1945. He served as a cook on the Navy ship. He was also one of the first black butchers in Washington, DC, and later became a meat cutter for the Giant Food Store Corporation. After 38 years of service, he retired from the Giant in 1987. After retiring, John decided to venture into entrepreneurship where he worked as a cab driver for Yellow Cab owning and operating his own cab for over 40 years. John McEntyre was a devoted man of God. He accepted Christ at the age of 12 and became a member of Green Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Polk County, North Carolina. John faithfully attended every revival in August at Green Creek. In 1952, when he relocated to Washington DC, he joined the Mount Gilead Baptist Church by Christian experience where he faithfully served as a member for 73 years. He was very active and reliable in every organization in which he had been affiliated. He had served faithfully as an officer of the Church, as a Deacon for 44 years, Trustee and Church Treasurer. He also served actively in the Sunday School, April Birthday Fellowship/April Guild, Christian’s Men’s Fellowship/Men’s Club, Music Ministry (Chancel Choir, Men’s Chorus, Gospel Chorus, and Gospel Crusaders), Hospitality Ministry, Mt. Gilead Federal Credit Union (Credit Committee), SHARE ministry, Budget Committees, Pastor’s Advisory Committee/President’s Council, Long Range Planning/Vision 2000 Committee, 1995 Annex Renovation Committee, 1990 Search Committee, Golden Year Club and was one of the Turley Minutemen. He also served on many church Pastoral Anniversary and Pastoral Installation Committees. In addition, he was recognized in April 2023 for becoming a Centenarian (100 years young). He was also affiliated with the General Baptist Deacon’s Association. He was named Father of the Church under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. Leroy Gilbert in 2018. The John E. and Emma L. McEntyre Multipurpose Room was dedicated to him and his late wife on Sunday, June 30, 2023. A photo of the couple is on the left-hand side of the wall as you enter the room along with a framed inspirational story, entitled “John the Eagle and Emma the Dove” beautifully written by their nephew Darrell L. Hines. “Let the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me” and “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” were Deacon McEntyre’s favorite hymns and the entire 6th Chapter of Acts along with the 23rd Book of Psalm were his favorite scriptures. John was a jack of all trades! His hobbies included working on cars, cooking, telling jokes and stories, singing his favorite songs and being a handyman in all areas. Everyone loved his baked chicken and homemade rolls. His nickname was “Johnny Living Dangerously.” He worked on roofs and under cars until the age of 90. No truer words were written that capture the essence of Deacon John McEntyre who was devoted to God giving him all glory and honor. It is through his love of Christ and love for his fellow man that he maneuvered in this world. He was a genuine, kind, unassuming individual with a good sense of humor. He was a committed, trustworthy, resourceful man, who was dependable and faithful in dealing with others. His willingness in helping people, whether in good health or not, was a blessing to many. His dedication to his Christian duties and Mt. Gilead was immeasurable. He was a true pillar and indispensable part of the framework of the Church; giving his all to its upkeep and support. He loved his family, church family, friends and neighbors. He was truly everyone’s “Papa”. John Edgar McEntyre age 102, transitioned peacefully into internal heaven on Saturday July 5,2025. He is preceded in death by twelve of his siblings and his lovely wife Emma. John leaves to cherish his memories-Two daughters: Emma Luzeen Powers and Gina Marcella Thompson; Six grandchildren: Nina Blair {Joseph}, Lalita McLaughlin {Harry}, Darren Powers {Raquel}, Tenita Thompson, Reginald Thompson Jr, and Takisha Thompson; Five Great Grandchildren: Kristopher Mickens Jr, Chasity Boyd, Aniyah Powers, Darren Powers {DJ}, and Maliyah Powers; Two Step Grandchildren: Madison and Sophia McLaughlin; Two Sisters: Vera Mae Jackson and Stella Burgess; One Brother: Joe Ralph McIntyre; Two Sister ~ in~ Laws: Ida McEntyre and Madeline Logan; and a host of special sons and daughters, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Mr. John Edgar McEntyre

May 15, 1923 - July 5, 2025

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Mr. John Edgar McEntyre

May 15, 1923 - July 5, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Resources

Grief & Healing

Obituaries

About Us

Contact Information