James Edward Gentry

Bro. James Edward Gentry was born September 22, 1945, to the late Cleo and Gustavia Gentry in Gurdon, AR. James grew up in Gurdon, attended school, and was a 1964 graduate of Bell High School. On May 17, 1966, he enlisted into the United States Army and served his country with honor.

He worked many jobs during his life but the one he enjoyed most was working side by side with his best friend, the late Robert L. Williams. They were shade tree mechanics; they took the job very seriously and did it well.

During his life, he made many choices, some good and some not so good but that’s life. He leaves a legacy that will be missed by many. Those gone on before him are his parents and a brother.

Those left are his wife, Katrine Gentry; son, Dana (Rekina) Gentry of Arkadelphia, AR; sister. Cleo Anderson of Lansing, MI; brother, Augustus (Mattie) Gentry of Gurdon, AR; three grandchildren and two children he raised as his own, Christopher Williams and Alexis Hood of Gurdon, and Christopher’s son Adrian of Cleveland, OH. James affectionally called him “little man” and he adored him. He also leaves one brother-in-law, Albert Williams, and three sisters-in-law, Maxine White, Janice Turner, and Sanvernita Williams all of Gurdon, AR; several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Submitted by the Gentry Family

Public visitation will be Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. Services will be held on the campus of Eastern Star Baptist Church on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. James H. Giles, Sr., eulogist. Interment will be at Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon, Arkansas.

Bearers of the casket will be Keon Brewer, Frazier Gentry, Jermaine Lawson, Darryl Anderson, Anthony Johnson, and Traywick Anderson. Honorary pallbearers Lemar Williams, Roosevelt House, Oscar Tidwell, Alfred Brown, Hurlean Golden, Herman Quarles and Lee Quarles.