John Richard Gentry Jr.

1924 - 2024

GENTRY, John Richard Jr., "Papa", 99, of Farrington, returned to his heavenly home on January 15, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Richards Gentry and Mary Sharp Gentry; first wife, June Enroughty Gentry and wife of 60 years, Anne Chewning Gentry; grandson, John Warner Allison; sister, Elizabeth Gentry Southard. He is survived by his daughter, Sue Gentry Allison (Sam); son, John Chewning Gentry (Lee); granddaughters, Anne Gentry Hershfield (Michael), and Elizabeth "Libbie" Lee Gentry; great-granddaughters, Elle Gentry Hershfield and Peyton Elizabeth Hershfield; sister, Annie Laura Gentry Downing. John was born in Richmond on October 2, 1924, and graduated from Highland Springs High School in 1942. He served his country in WWII in the U.S. Army and had a successful career with the Virginia National Guard for 32 years, retiring as a CW03. John lived in Hanover County, and in retirement, farmed and ran a small engine repair shop, becoming affectionately known in the community as the "lawnmower man." He was also a faithful member of St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Montpelier for over 60 years. The family wishes to thank his caregivers, Darlene and Tanya, and the nursing staff of Bon Secours Community Hospice House.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory-Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's United Methodist Church, 15599 Mountain Rd., Montpelier, VA. 23192. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Peter's United Methodist Church or the Bon Secours Community Hospice House.