Dr. Roy B. Gentry, II

Funeral services for Dr. Roy Birchfield Gentry II will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, 508 Second St., Natchitoches, LA. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches. Burial will follow at the American Cemetery under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches. Officiating will be Pastor Thomas Rush.

Dr. Gentry, 82, was born on Oct. 30, 1942, to Roy Birchfield Gentry and Grace Bullock Gentry in Shreveport, LA. He died on May 6, 2025, at his home in Natchitoches. In the final years of his life, he faced the challenges of dementia with quiet strength and the support of those who loved him.

Dr. Gentry graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1960 before earning the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Northwestern State University (then College) in 1964. His academic journey continued at the University of Maryland, where he earned the Master of Arts degree in Physical Education in 1967. He earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University in 1972.

His career in education spanned more than four decades, with 42 years dedicated to teaching kinesiology at Northwestern State University. He was a demanding but deeply respected professor, known for expecting the best from his students. Many remember him for the lessons he taught in class — and on weekend fishing trips, where a select few students spent time with him beyond the classroom. His quiet encouragement stayed with them long after graduation.

During his time at Northwestern, Dr. Gentry also served as the faculty sponsor for Phi Epsilon Kappa, an honorary society for students pursuing careers in physical education, health education, and recreation.

It was at Northwestern that Roy met his beloved wife of 44 years, the former Dr. Vickie Stevens. As colleagues in the Department of Health and Human Performance, their professional connection grew into a strong and steady life together.

Roy was a four-year football letterman at Northwestern and earned a varsity letter in baseball. He was honored with the All Gulf State Conference Award and served as vice president of the N-Club. He was a proud member of the Blue Key and Beta Beta Beta honor societies and was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Roy was a charter member of the Mystic Krewe de St. Denis, a member of the Natchitoches Area Jaycees, and a loyal supporter of Demon Athletics. Rarely missing a Demon home game, he was known for tuning into radio broadcasts when he couldn’t be in the stands. A true outdoorsman, Roy found peace in the duck blind, joy in the fishing boat, and camaraderie on the golf course. His favorite stories were told around the fire at the “squirrel camp”, stories that grew taller with every year, much like the fish he claimed to have caught.

Family was central to Dr. Gentry’s life, and he took great pride in the people closest to him. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife; his brother, Hugh Garland Gentry of Natchitoches, LA; his children, Jennifer Elaine Fallis and husband Keith of Santa Fe, NM; Dr. Roy Birchfield Gentry, III and wife Farrah of Monterey, TN; Stevens Cole Gentry and wife Cristy, and Bryant Cade Gentry and wife Cree, both of Natchitoches, LA; his grandchildren, Millicent Ellery Fallis, Katherine Grace Gentry, Roy Birchfield Gentry IV, Carson Cole Gentry, and Crawford Cade Gentry; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Dr. Gentry’s children will remember their father as a man of principle, who found joy in teaching them how to cast a fishing line, swing a golf club, use a duck call, and appreciate the sound of the Demon Sports Network on a Saturday night.

Honoring Dr. Gentry as pallbearers will be Dr. Jimmy Cade, Micah Coleman, Cole Garrett, Dr. Drake Owens, Edward Taylor, and Michael Webb. Honorary pallbearers include Donald Beasley, Dr. Maury Dennis, Steve Murphy, and Glenn Talbert.

The Gentry family expresses deep appreciation to Charles and Janet Brown for their dedicated care, and to Hospice of Natchitoches for the compassion shown in Roy’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northwestern State University Foundation, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497, or online at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/gentry-scholarships/, benefiting the Gentry Family Endowed Scholarship for Health and Human Performance at NSU.