Al Gillentine

Tupelo--William Alvin “Al” Gillentine Jr. passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Unit after a lengthy illness. He was 74 years old. Born August 22, 1949 in Tupelo, Al was the son of William Alvin Gillentine Sr. and Cassie Ann Hudnall Gillentine. After his graduation from Tupelo High School, Al achieved a lifelong dream of learning to fly and pilot airplanes. He was a flight instructor for several years and flew commercially for Amory Garment and also for the Bank of Mississippi (now Cadence Bank). Al was a faithful member of Auburn Baptist Church. He was also a big history buff, and loved sharing his knowledge of past events. A true outdoorsman, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He greatly enjoyed sharing his catch with friends over cookouts and fish fries. Whenever Al was home, his cats, Odie and Savannah were always by his side.

Al is survived by many special friends including Steve and Tammy Malone, Tyler Kidd, Mark Dauler, Lisa Henry, Charlie Estes, and Ricky Murphy.

His dearest friend and buddy, Neal Cruse, passed away on the same day as Al.

Visitation will be 12 until 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring Al’s memory will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Jefferson Street Chapel with Rev. Jim Yates officiating. Burial will be in Priceville Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.