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DCarl Rupert McEntire, long-time Coalgate resident, passed away on May 11, 2023 in College Station, TX where he had been living for the past three years. Carl was born on September 29, 1923 in Cairo, OK to William Thompson McEntire and Esther Hope (Whitwell) McEntire. Carl was proceeded in death by his wife, Pat (Pruett); his son, Clark; his grandson, Patrick Pritchard; and his brothers Robert Lee and Kenneth. He is survived by his daughter Gail Pritchard (Kevin) of College Station, TX; his grandson, Andrew Pritchard of Tucson, AZ; his granddaughter Megan McEntire of Willard, MO; great grandchildren Alex, Nick, and Madison McEntire of Willard, MO; sister, Marjorie Crow of Dallas, TX; and much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
Carl moved from Coalgate to Pittsburg, KS graduating from College High School in 1938 at the age of 15. He then joined the CCCs and at 18, enlisted in the military, serving in WWII. He retired from the USAF at the rank of Major, completing his 20 years of service as the Chief, Munitions Service Branch, 20th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base. After his military career, Carl was a professor at Pittsburg State University, The University of Tennessee, and at The University of Central Arkansas. Upon retiring from teaching in 1976, he returned to Coalgate.
Carl was active in the community, serving on the McGee Creek Board, and the Coal County Hospital Board. He and Pat regularly attended local school and community events and a particularly favorite outing was to the McSwain Theatre. They were members of the First Baptist Church and their Pairs and Spares class. He and Pat lovingly began restoration of the Cairo Cemetery and established the Cairo Cemetery Association. Carl was well-known for handing out "good deed" coins" gold dollars he gave to those he saw doing a "good deed."
Carl was passionate about playing dominoes and cards, in particular Oh, Hell! He, Pake McEntire, and Johnny Ward played 100 consecutive nights while sheltering in place during the CoVid-19 outbreak. Once he moved to Texas, it did not take Carl long to find a new card-playing friend with whom he and his daughter held a weekly game and dinner night.
During Carl's last days, he was blessed by visits from family members and dear friends. He especially enjoyed the cards, text messages, and phone calls. His family thanks each and everyone one of you for filling those final days with joy and peace. He ended his earthly journey with his daughter and son-in-law by his side.
Carl was 99 years and eight months old at the time of his passing. He lived life to the fullest, told corny jokes to the very end, and held a deep and abiding love for God. One of the last things he said to his daughter was, "Tell everyone not to worry. I'm going home."
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made to the Cairo Cemetery Association.
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