David Lee Gentry

1947 - 2024

David Lee Gentry

November 14, 1947 - February 12, 2024

Apex, North Carolina - David Lee Gentry, 76, of Apex, NC, formerly of Cary, NC, Passed away at home in the early morning hours of February 12, 2024, with his wife of 58 years by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher (Brooke), Evan (Chelsea); the absolute light of his life, great-grandson, Ace; siblings, Jackie, Terry (Pam), Donnie (Kim), Amy (Ronnie) and Lesia; brother-in-laws, Garey (Kay), Jamie, Brian (Darla); many uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews; and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his son, Lee; daughter, Joe'l; and his parents, Lib and Aaron Gentry.

Dave was born in Raleigh, NC, in 1947, spending his entire life in Wake County and was the oldest sibling of 6. He was forever putting others before himself, volunteering and a community servant, being a member of the Cary Lions Club in his younger years and helping elementary children read. When his son, Lee entered Cary High School, he joined the marching band, and that is when Dave found his niche. He was a dedicated and hard working band booster and held many positions over the next 25 years. Later his nieces joined Garner Marching Band and he became the booster president. His granddaughter, Nicole joined the East Wake Marching Band and finally his grandson, Evan joined the Apex Marching Band. He retired from band and his career at IBM after many years and enjoyed relaxing at Emerald Isle, NC in his free time. Dave was an avid NCSU Wolfpack fan and loved to tailgate while cooking for a great bunch of Wolfpack friends.

Having his great-grandson, Ace come into his life became his will to live for 3 1/2 years while spending loads of fun filled precious time with him. He was an awesome husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. "PaPa" will be greatly missed.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511, at 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM. Dave, as he liked to be called, requested casual attire, once again thinking only of others.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Dave's name to Transitions LifeCare, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or transitionslifecare.org.