Frank L. Gentry

1942 - 2026

Frank L. Gentry

October 5, 1942 - March 26, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina - Frank Lewis Gentry passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the age of 83 after a long, courageous and valiant struggle with Alzheimer's, strokes and eventual blindness. He was the son of John B. Gentry and Thelma Ashmore of Clemson, South Carolina.

Born October 5th, 1942 in Abbeville, South Carolina, he grew up in Clemson earning his Eagle Scout and loving baseball. Frank attended Daniel High School and graduated with honors from Clemson University with a BS in Math. While at Clemson he was editor of the "Tiger" newspaper and as managing editor, he won a College Press Award at the time of Harvey Gantt being the first African American to be admitted to Clemson. His editorial called for calm and peaceful integration which Clemson achieved. He was also a member of the GE College Bowl and multiple honor societies.

He furthered his education at Carnegie Mellon University receiving a full scholarship as a Mellon Fellow. He graduated with a BS in Industrial Administration.

Soon after he married Sarah Kildea of New York City after a whirlwind romance both having been members of a wedding party. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Frank accepted a job in Houston, Texas with Humble Oil and Refining Company (Exxon). In 1973, he moved to Charlotte, NC where he began a long career with NCNB in various corporate planning and marketing jobs. His most interesting and satisfying work at the bank was being part of the team led by Thomas Storrs and Hugh McColl that grew NCNB into NationsBank and then Bank of America achieving the goal of interstate banking. He retired in 2000 as Executive Vice-President of Corporate Planning and Strategy.

In retirement Frank was an executive-in-residence at The McColl School of Business at Queens University teaching negotiation and risk management seminars. He also volunteered at several non-profits helping with their strategic planning. He was a member of the Charlotte Symphony Board receiving the 2013 Sally Ann Hall Spirit of the Symphony Award.

Two of his favorite retirement activities were playing bridge, achieving Life Master, and being involved with the Clemson Foundation. He also enjoyed being at his home on Beech Mountain, reading on the porch and enjoying the view. Frank loved history and also enjoyed debating with people about many topics, often taking the other side to see what they would say. As his illness progressed, he didn't lose his sense of humor and always greeted you with a sense of expectation.

The family would like to thank especially the staff of the 2nd floor of The Stewart Health Center at The Cypress for their loving support and care for Frank with special gratitude to Arlenda Bell who cared for him with such love and friendship for nearly six years.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sarah, his son John (Shary) of Dallas, Texas, grandchildren Alison Foley (Brendan) of Dallas, son David Gentry of Charlotte and cousin Nina Revis of Simpsonville, South Carolina.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road from 6-8pm. Burial will be private at Cemetery Hill in Clemson.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider the Clemson University Foundation, the Frank and Sarah Gentry Endowment at 220 Mandarin Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634. Condolences may be left for the family at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.