James Bobby Gentry, 88, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away on Friday, August 30, 2019, at his residence. He was a native of Carter County and the son of the late Emerson and Minnie Collins Gentry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ray Gentry.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and the Men’s I Sunday School Class. He retired from Snap-On Tools.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years, Leona Canter Gentry; a son, Charles Michael Gentry; a daughter, Shelia Gentry; a grandson, Andrew and wife Danielle Birchfield; one great-grandson, Cooper Wayne Birchfield; two brothers, A.E. “Kayo” Gentry and wife Betty and Cameron “Buck” Gentry and wife Janice, all of Elizabethton; and two sisters, Nellene Crow of Johnson City and Chestine Larimer of Erwin. Several nephews and nieces also survive.
The family will gather for a private graveside service with Reverend Mark Grubb officiating. Active pallbearers will be his grandson, Andrew Birchfield, and his nephews, Earl Wayne Gentry, Royce Gentry, Noel Gentry, Curtis Gentry and David Gentry. Honorary pallbearer will be his great-grandson, Cooper Wayne Birchfield. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 31356, Tampa, FL 33631-3356 and designate the donation for the Greenville Hospital. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Bobby and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.