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Robert Curtis Gentle

1941 - 2019

Robert Gentle Obituary

Robert Curtis Gentle passed away to Heaven on March 8th, 2019, around 6:30 in the evening after a long battle with a cruel illness, pulmonary fibrosis. He was the son of Elmo and Mary, born in 1941. Bob leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Ellen, a sister, Mrs. Charles Nailen, two daughters, Jennifer Fernambucq and Julianna Massey, two step-children, Allison and Billy, nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild. His beloved dog, Victor, a feisty Jack Russell with an attitude, passed away just a few months earlier leading the way. Bob was an interesting fellow, a self-made man who worked his way from the family hot dog stand, through Howard University to earn his degree in business, and eventually running a successful National Construction Mediation firm traveling the country resolving disputes. He served proudly on the Fairhope City Council, attended a business seminar at Harvard University, and ran for Mayor of Fairhope, a town he loved dearly. The man enjoyed things. He enjoyed a good steak, a glass of wine, sitting on the Orange Street pier to watch a sunset, bragging about his children and grandchildren, traveling with his wife, driving his golf cart around town waving like he was in a parade, and being a forever student of history. Bob loved a good conversation. He loved to tell a story and listen to a story. He never complained about the illness that took his life, but instead, enjoyed his days to the end, looking forward to the next knock on his door, the next lively conversation. We hold solace in the image of Bob pulling up a chair to God's table, and saying with a smile, "Well, what's going on with you today " And God smiling back and saying, "Welcome home, Bob. Welcome home." The service will be held Monday, March 18 at 3:00 pm at St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church.

Published by AL.com (Birmingham) from Mar. 14 to Mar. 15, 2019.
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Ellen, I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a dear friend. May God be with you and your family. He was a great man and we will surely miss him. GARY AND BETH BIERHALTER

Gary Bierhalter

Friend

April 29, 2019

I am so glad we were able to share a wonderful memory together with Bob on Mobile Bay, enjoying crab claws and beautiful blue skies, engaging conversation and enduring an peaceful atmosphere. Bob did love that wonderful Southern arrangement and you dear El. God will bless in this time.

Ric

March 18, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead . 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Pray constantly.

March 15, 2019

My condolences to the family and friends may the God of all comfort give you strength during this time of sorrow.

CWE

March 15, 2019

My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.

Z L

March 15, 2019

John Howe

March 14, 2019

Dear Ellen,
Margaret told me about Bob's passing, and I just wanted to send you my sympathy. I remember meeting him when Margaret & I spent some time in your sweet town of Fairhope. . My sincere thoughts are with you & family..

Fondly, Gail LaRose

March 13, 2019

Dear Ellen and family,

We've known and loved Bob for many years and are deeply sadden by his passing. Our prayers are with you. His friends from Hayek Kallen (Joe / Eric / Maggie)

March 13, 2019

Sorry for your loss. May God give your family strength during this difficult time.

Nay

March 13, 2019

Ellen,
Dennis and I are so saddened by the news of Bob's death. He was a gentle giant of a man and a true friend to us both.
I remember the great fun we had when the four of us went to Auburn for a football game, we ate at some favorite place you all knew about in Montgomery and just had a wonderful weekend!
I also enjoyed working with Bob on the Fairhope Tree Committee for four years. He was always kind to everyone and Fairhope will really miss his wonderful words of wisdom.
We are so glad that he came up to us at the Christmas Eve service we attended at St. James two Christmases ago. Who would of thought that that would have been the last time we saw his kind face.Life is shorter then we think!
Ellen you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Dennis and Jackie Frodsham
Naples, Florida

Dennis and Jackie Frodsham

March 13, 2019

We express our deepest sympathy for the family and sorrow for the lost of a great person.
Paul and Maite Clyatt

maite clyatt

March 13, 2019

Hugs and special thoughts we are sending to you

Armon and Pat Effinger

March 12, 2019

I, like many others were fortunate to have known this wonderful man - his observations of life were quite interesting and sometimes a bit amusing - the last time I saw him, he was obviously struggling with his disease - but he still had that smile, gathering mental notes for his next conversation, or perhaps because his beautiful Ellen was right beside him :) RIP Robert Gentle

Kim Wintzell Fram

March 11, 2019

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18

Service

3:00 p.m.

St. James Episcopal Church

Fairhope, AL

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