The Interview: Dennis McEntire

From Staff Reports

This month, The Paper publishes its Q&A with Dennis McEntire, the former general manager of Newnan Utilities.

Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.

I’m a fun-loving person who rarely takes himself seriously. I managed Newnan Utilities, a municipal service organization responsible for providing water, wastewater, and power to businesses and residents of the city of Newnan.

Best piece of advice you’ve received.

You never know what might be going on in someone’s life.  Be kind.

If I had it to do over …

I would do everything exactly like the first time. No regrets.

You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?

Albums: Stardust by Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell’s Greatest Hits, and Brian Reagan – I Walked on the Moon.

Books: The Bible, Rising Tide by John M. Barry.

Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.

I graduated dead last in my college class. Or  was it high school? Or maybe both. But I was student body president in both college and high school.

You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why?

George Washington because he was a great leader. Robert E. Lee, Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Antonin Scalia. I would love to hear them discuss their lives and thoughts on how our country has evolved. (I know this is two more than you asked for, but you know not all of them will be able to come.)

Name an as yet unfulfilled dream.

To get in good physical shape.

If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …

Stand up comedian.

Your go-to food.

Pizza.

Favorite movies(s).

Gone with the Wind, Shawshank Redemption, Groundhog Day.

Dogs or cats?

I like both but if I had to pick I would pick dogs.

Your favorite quote and why.

“There is no limit to what can be accomplished if you don’t care who gets the credit.” I like it because it is so true.

Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.

I delivered the commencement address at University of West Georgia’s graduation.

What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own.

Have fun and treat everyone with respect.