11/22/2010 - College mourns loss of two long-time Trustees

Two long-time Judson College trustees died this month: Dr. James H. Gentry Sr. of Aliceville on Nov. 2 and Don Norton of Tuscaloosa on Nov. 3.

"Judson College has lost two devoted trustees and friends," said Judson president Dr. David Potts. 

"Dr. Gentry and Mr. Norton were exemplary members of the Board of Trustees, giving generously of time and resources and serving with distinction. Their respective leadership charted the course and laid the foundation at the turn of the millennium that enabled the recognitions from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in service-learning and the high praise of guidance counselors from America's Best High Schools, as noted recently by ‘U. S. News and World Report.' 

"We offer our condolences and prayers, and heartfelt gratitude to the families of these distinguished men."

Gentry was elected a trustee in 1961 and was later named a life trustee of the college. He served as chairman from 1988-1991. He was a board certified family practitioner in Pickens County for 56 years and served in more than six countries doing medical and Christian ministry.

A Cullman native, Gentry graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Tulane University and Tulane University Medical School. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War. He helped found Pickens Academy, where he was a Spanish instructor for 37 years. He taught Sunday School at Aliceville First Baptist Church for over 50 years, and also served as a deacon and choir member.

Gentry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret "Peggy" Durrett Gentry of Aliceville, two daughters, four sons and 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Don Norton retired from the Riechhold Chemical Company in 1987. He was elected a Judson trustee in 1986 and served as chairman from 1993-1995. 

Norton was born in Silas, Alabama and graduated from the University of Alabama. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa for more than 50 years where he was named a Life Deacon and fulfilled numerous leadership roles over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy West Norton, three daughters and five grandchildren.

Gentry	Norton

*Article courtesy of the Judson College Public Relations Department.

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