Donald Wayne Gentry

Donald W. Gentry passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Della Gentry; brothers, Doug and Herb Gentry, and his beautiful and loving wife Rachel Gentry.

 He is survived by a sister, Wilma Gentry; children, Donna (Charles) Duckett the oldest who thinks she's the mom, Kim (Jessie) Duckett the middle child whom her brother is trying to convince she's adopted, and Don Gentry Jr the baby and obvious favorite. Grandchildren, Caleb Gentry, Kassandra Swafford, Alex, Anissa, and Kolby Duckett; great-grandchildren, Dakota Hardin, Canyon Williams, Will, Oakley, Emily, and John Duckett; and the jelly bean industry, for which he single-handedly kept in business with his love of Dum-Dum suckers and Jelly Beans.

 Don spent his formative years in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he passed his time selling newspapers on the street corner and dropping water balloons on unsuspecting pedestrians walking below the balcony of his 3rd floor apartment.

 He later volunteered for service in the United States Army and served with the 802nd Engineers Battalion in Tuegu, Korea. During his time in service, he received multiple promotions and ribbons reaching the rank of E4 Specialist 4th Class. 

Upon leaving the Army, God knew that Don still needed supervision and sent him his wife of 59 years, Rachel Elizabeth Bishop. Together they raised a family they loved and cherished beyond compare, second only to their love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Don worked his entire life in service of God and his community as the Maintenance Director at North Cleveland Church of God, a reserve police officer with the Cleveland Police Department, and VFW Post Commander and Chaplain.

 Although there are no buildings named after him and no monuments erected in his honor, he DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend and family member. He was a loving son, brother, husband, and father. He was the spiritual leader and protector of his family and community. No label or plaque can compare to the love felt for him by his family. Thank you for taking the time to honor our father Donald W. Gentry.

Services are Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Hopewell Church of God 5765 Eureka Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 with visitation from 12pm to 2pm; with service at 2pm. Graveside will follow the service at Zion Baptist Church 953 Parksville Rd, Benton, TN 37307.