Don Calhoun Genry

Don Calhoun Genry returned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was born in Brantleyville, Alabama on January 19, 1938. Don was well-known for a sound sense of direction. Once—at age 6—when separated from his family at a parade in downtown Birmingham, he walked and hitchhiked 30 miles to his home in rural Brantleyville. He graduated from Thompson High School in 1956 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley, on August 17, 1957.

Don joined the National Guard shortly after high school and served as a mechanic. His career began in the automotive industry, and he worked in car dealerships in Orlando, FL for several years. He was then a loyal employee at IBM, working in Orlando and later Birmingham as a parts accountant for 27 years, until his retirement in 1992. Don became a Christian in 1959 following the example of his wife, Shirley, and devotedly served the church for the rest of his life. He was a beloved song leader—passionate both in worship assembly and his own living room—and served as an elder at Riverchase Church of Christ in Hoover, AL, for many years.

Don is reunited in death with his father, John Henry Genry, his mother, Alice Anne Brantley Genry, his sister, Vera Genry England, and his brothers, Heyward, Ellsworth, Perry, and Travis Genry. He is survived by his devoted wife of almost 69 years, Shirley Ann Bearden Genry of Helena, AL, his sons, Chris of Denver, CO, Tim (Tami) of Helena, AL, and Scott (Kathy) of Dahlonega, GA. He was delighted to be called “Papa” by his grandchildren, Caleb (Lauren), Colby, Laci Genry Johnson (Kyle), Landon (Elissa), Lainie, and Alexandra Genry; and his great-grandchildren, Randi, Beckham, and Haven Genry, Bradford and Chapman Johnson, and Walker Calhoun Genry.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8th, 2026, at 10:00 AM, followed by services at 11:00 at Riverchase Church of Christ in Hoover, AL. Graveside services will follow at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home and Jefferson Memorial Gardens, in Hoover, AL. Tim Genry officiating.