Larry Gillentine, 76
November 16, 1949 – February 20, 2026
Richmond Community- Larry Dwight Gillentine, age 76, of Tupelo, peacefully passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Sanctuary Hospice House. Born on November 16, 1949, to Roy B. Gillentine and Lizzie Lee Prestage Gillentine, Larry lived a life filled with purpose, service, and devotion to his family, his country, his work, and his community.
A proud United States Marine, Larry served his country honorably in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 as a radio man with his platoon. His time in the Corps shaped him deeply, and his love for the Marine Corps never faded. He was a devoted member of the Marine Corps League, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Tupelo. Each year, Larry looked forward to his reunion with the 14 brothers-in-arms who stood beside him in Vietnam: bonds that lasted a lifetime.
Larry was also a hardworking and innovative businessman. He founded Richmond Recliners, a company that proudly became the first to have recliners sold in Wal-Mart. Following that success, he shared his friendly spirit and sharp wit with customers and friends alike at Southern Pawn and Jewelry in Verona.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Larry had a deep love for nature and a passion for beekeeping. Known affectionately as the “bee man,” he tended to his honey bees with care, selling his honey to friends and neighbors throughout the community. His bees brought him joy and a sense of peace that mirrored his kind and patient spirit.
Larry truly loved life. He enjoyed traveling, sharing a good pun, and spending time with those he loved most. Above all, his greatest joy came from his family: his beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, which were the light of his life.
On September 20, 1969, Larry married the love of his life, Janet Gillespie, in Moulton, Alabama. It was love at first sight, and their union became the foundation for a lifetime of shared laughter, faith, and devotion.
Larry was a faithful member of Richmond Pentecostal Church, where he found fellowship and strength in his faith community.
He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, humor, and heartfelt love: a loyal Marine, a devoted husband, a caring father and grandfather, and a friend to many.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Gillespie Gillentine; children, Mickie Renea Gillentine and Randy Dwight Gillentine; grandchildren, Kelsey Paige Gillentine, Jordan Grace Swick (Draven), and Matthew Grant McMillen; great-grandchildren, Easton Rhett Gillentine and John Alan Swick; sister, Dorothy Culver; brothers, J.C. Gillentine and Bobby Gillentine; a host of Gillentine family and Gillespie family in Alabama; and a host of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lizzie Gillentine; sister, Katherine Gillentine; and brother, James Roy Gillentine.
Visitation will be 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.
Services honoring the life of Mr. Gillentine will be 2 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Richmond Pentecostal Church with Bro. Rickey Pierce officiating. Burial will follow at Andrew’s Chapel Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joey Gillentine, Tommy Lindsey, Chris Gillentine, David Gillentine, Mason Gillentine, and Dawson Barber.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kelsey Paige Gillentine, Jordan Grace Swick, Ricky Bishop, Gary Bishop, Harvey Raper, and Phillip Gillespie.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Saturday, February 21, 2026
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Pegues
535 West Jefferson Street, Tupelo, MS 38804
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Service
Sunday, February 22, 2026
2 p.m.
Richmond Pentecostal Church
