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John Gentry Obituary
John Preston Gentry, affectionately known as Preston, or "Papa G" to his family, passed away on September 24, 2025, at the age of 86.
Born on August 10, 1939, in Anderson, he was a son of the late Harrison and Lois Craft Gentry.
Throughout his life, Preston was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Though he seemed serious, he was a playful jokester at heart. Preston cherished the time that he spent with his family, whether it was camping at Oconee State Park, traveling to Pigeon Forge, or spending family summer vacations at Myrtle Beach.
In his younger years, Preston played high school baseball and basketball, and as an adult became an avid golfer up until just a few years ago. Everyone who knew Preston knew that he was an enthusiastic Clemson Tigers fan and loved watching the games every season.
Preston was a devoted Christian and lived his life serving Christ. It was important to him to serve as an example to his family, reading the Bible regularly, praying daily, and taking his family to church. As a member of Trinity Wesleyan Church, he was an active member and especially loved his Sunday school class.
Preston is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Susan Elaine Poore Gentry; his son Rodney Gentry of Los Angeles, California; his daughter Michelle Sutherland (Paul) of Pendleton; his granddaughter Gentry Lee Simmons (Jacob) and their daughter Millie James Simmons; and Ty Sutherland (Lauren) and their children Burkely, Sam, Maddyn, and Will Sutherland. He is also survived by his brothers William and Randy Gentry, and his sister Bobbie Nimmons.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of over 40 years, Shelby Jean James, and his siblings Edna Mullikin, Frances Smith, and Dianne Garland.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rainey Hospice House at 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621, or at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=ff1765.
A visitation will be held at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Central, South Carolina on September 26, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, with the service to follow at the church at 3:00 PM.
Please visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory, Central-Clemson Commons.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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