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Sam Gentry Obituary
SAM GENTRY
Aug. 6, 1916 - Sept. 19, 2009
Sam Gentry of El Centro, CA passed away Saturday, September 19, 2009.
Sam was born August 6, 1916 in Wimsboro, Louisiana to Jesse Gentry and Patsy Brown. Sam was the second of five children. At the age of six the family moved to Holtville later moving to El Centro where he attended schools. Upon hearing the call of duty for his country, Sam joined the Army Air Force Corp in October 24, 1942 completing basic training in Tonopah, Nevada. Serving overseas in France and England. In 1945, Sam received an honorable discharge as a Staff Sgt. After the military he began his professional career in roofing, painting, plumbing and refurbishing pool tables. Upon receiving his contractor license, Sam was a self-employed entrepreneur who always had a smile, with his heart in his work. The City of El Centro, and NAACP has recognized him for his work and business for his outstanding contribution. Sam was a jack of all trades with a master of none. Our Papa/Uncle Sam touched many lives being a life member of the Elk's Lodge #627 as well as Eureka Lodge #28 R&AM.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Gentry and Patsy Brown; brother, Jesse Jr.; sister, Wortha Bell Wagner; son, Sam Jr.; and ex-wife, Eloise.
Sam leaves to cherish his memories wife of 39 years, Lillie; sons, Lionel Johnson, and George Bell Jr.; daughter, Dorothy; sister, Katie Varner of San Diego, and Lilla Martin of Oakland, CA; grandchildren, Greco Tucker, Aisha Melvin, Frank Woodward, George Bell III, Daniel, Hosea, Zanette Johnson, Keith (Silk) Johnson, Sharon, and Shanette Johnson; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many extended family and friends.
Services will be held at Hems Brothers Mortuary in El Centro Friday, September 25 at 10 a.m.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hems Brothers Mortuary in El Centro.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sam Gentry
2 Entries
LINDA & TEOLA CARTER
September 24, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Arlene Abbott
September 23, 2009
Lillie, I am so sorry for your loss. Sam was one good man. You and your family are in my prayers.
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