Kenneth Gray Gentil

GENTIL, Kenneth Gray, former vice chairman of Overnite Transportation Company, died at home with his family on September 22, 2010. Kenny was a true gentleman who lived life to the fullest, enjoying friends, business associates, and times with his family above all else. Hardly second came boating, hunting, fishing, laughing and, of course, his travels. Born in Richmond, Virginia on May 8, 1925 to Alphonse and Ethel Gentil, he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1943, and immediately joined the Navy, where he served on the USS Lucid during World War II. Discharged on the West Coast in 1946, he thumbed home to enter the University of Richmond where he graduated in 1949. That year he joined Fruehauf Trailer Company's Richmond office, where he began a long association with the trucking industry. He moved from the stockroom to branch manager, and in 1968 became director of marketing for Fruehauf International. The family moved to London where he was the company's liaison for overseas offices throughout the world. Ian Green, his good friend in the London office wrote, "I had the distinct privilege and pleasure to meet Kenny when he arrived in the UK. He was responsible for the coordination of various licensees and affiliates in England, France, Holland, Germany, Spain, South Africa and Japan. No mean task, as the European countries are not known for cooperating with each other, at least in those days. The history between the English and French - you could write a book. But this man was the epitome of calm, charm and efficiency with a gentle persuasive character who endeared himself to all." In 1970, Mr. Gentil returned home to become president of Overnite Transportation. During his 11-year tenure, the company had outstanding growth. The first phase of the corporation's headquarters building was built and the company continued to maintain its unique status as the largest non-union motor freight carrier in the U.S. Kenny's passion for the international field influenced him to resign from Overnite in 1981 to further that interest. He soon created an import/ export business where he enjoyed traveling the world once again. Mr. Gentil was a member of various boards in Richmond and abroad. He was a former deacon of Second Presbyterian Church and a life member of the Commonwealth Club and Country Club of Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Negus Gentil; sons, Kenneth Gray Gentil Jr. and Stevens Negus Gentil; daughters, Kimberly Gentil Grubbs and Dorothy Winn Gentil; daughter-in-law, Margaret Gentil; son-in-law, Ron Grubbs; grandchildren, Robert Gentil, Conner Gentil, Claire Gentil, Winn Pierson; and stepgrandchildren, Katherine Grubbs and Andrew Grubbs. He was predeceased by his sister, Elaine Merrick and her husband, Edwin J. Merrick. A private graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery, followed by a celebration of Kenny's life at the Commonwealth Club from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on September 30, 2010. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Families of the Wounded Fund, c/o Village Bank, P.O. Box 330, Midlothian, Va. 23113, or the Keewaydin Foundation, 10 Keewaydin Road, Salisbury, Vt. 05769.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.