Gail Grilli Entrekin

Gail Grilli Entrekin, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died on October 9, 2026 in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. She died peacefully surrounded by family after a long journey with Alzheimer's disease. While she faced the devastating loss of her memory, Gail always remained kind and loving to everyone around her. She was 85.

Gail was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 20, 1940 to the late James Joseph Grilli and Mary Craney Grilli Pruitt. Her father's family left their home in Bobbio, Italy and immigrated to New York in the early 1900's. Her mother was raised in Paris, Tennessee. When Gail was a teenager, her family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. In school, Gail was an avid reader and excellent student. She graduated from Memphis' Central High School in 1958.

Gail attended Memphis State University (now known as the University of Memphis). She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority and served as Vice President. She earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and graduated cum laude in 1962.

 Following college graduation, Gail moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Her love of travel began when she became a stewardess with American Airlines, which sparked her lifelong love of visiting the world with family and friends.

 In Nashville, Gail met a handsome Air Force pilot, Herbert Lee Entrekin Jr., on a blind date in 1962. They married on May 25, 1963 in Memphis and celebrated 58 years of marriage until Herb's death in 2021. They started their married life together in Franklin, Tennessee and welcomed daughter, Janet, in 1964. Herb began his career as a pilot for Delta in 1965. Herb and Gail settled in Lithonia, Georgia and welcomed Lee in 1968. Over the years, they lived in Vancouver, Washington, Greensboro, Georgia and their beloved home on Lake Burton, Georgia.

 Gail had the heart of a teacher. She helped teach in her mother-in-law, Oleta Entrekin's, kindergarten. Over the years, she was a wonderful Sunday School teacher and Bible study leader. She shared her faith into the next generation by teaching in children's ministries throughout her adult life. Gail and Herb were always active members in their community churches, in whatever city they lived.

 Gatherings of family and friends were a frequent occurrence at their home on Lake Burton. Gail's artistic abilities can be seen in her paintings that adorn the walls of their home. She was also an amazing cook! Anyone lucky enough to enjoy one of her delicious desserts or homemade yeast rolls will never forget them. She will be remembered for her hospitality, generosity and faith in God.

 Gail and Herb were devoted and attentive parents and grandparents. They were always attending sporting events, musical concerts/recitals, awards ceremonies and musical theater productions.

 Gail is survived by her daughter Janet Entrekin Rhoades (Bob), daughter-in-law Tara Entrekin Prince (Jimmy), grandson Herbert "Hugh" Lee Entrekin IV, granddaughters Madelyn Elyse Rhoades, Sophia Lee Rhoades, Lauren Rhoades Pusey (Dave), Anna Rhoades Haase (Brendan), brother James Gerald "Jerry" Grilli (Cathy), and nephew Michael Grilli. She is also survived by great-grandsons Hudson James Haase, Jacob Nathaniel Pusey, Hunter Bradley Haase, and many cousins. She is predeceased by husband, Herbert Lee Entrekin, Jr., her son Herbert "Lee" Entrekin III, her father, mother, brother, Michael Craney Grilli, and niece, Leanne Grilli. 

 Funeral services will be held at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, GA on October 21. Visitation is from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Service is at 1:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Decatur Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to any of Gail's favorite organizations:Alzheimer's Association, Angel Flight Soars or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.