"To me growing up, my cousin John G was a mountain of a man. He was my father's first cousin. He was so tall, so strong, and so kind. I will always remember him at his barn, on his tractor, or in the field with his cows, the ones my boys called polar bear cows, because they were white. John G and my Dad grew up together, and were able to once again spend time together once Dad retired and returned home. When Dad became sick, John G helped Dad do a few of the things Dad longed to do just once more. There was a brotherly bond between John G and my Dad. More recently, when it was John G's turn to be sick, my brothers and sisters and I became simply "Tommy's", and we knew we held a special place in his heart because of that bond. Thank you Faye for taking such good care of this special person. "
In loving memory of
John Gilbert Gentry
March 3, 1935 - August 27, 2020
JOHN GILBERT GENTRY, age 85, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away peacefully Thursday morning, August 27, 2020 with the love of his life, Faye, by his side. Born March 3, 1935. John was affectionately known by family and close friends as "John G." and "Johnny". He was raised on a farm in Luttrell, TN where he grew up with many cousins whom he loved like a brother and sisters. He was of the Baptist faith. Retired from Bellsouth in 1986 with 31 years of service. He held numerous positions with CWA Local 3805. Member of Fountain City Lodge #757. Tennessee Chapter Sons of the Revolution. Former director of Union County Co-op and Clinch Powell R C & D. Served in the US Army with an honorable discharge. Attended Gibbs High School and graduated from Horace Maynard High School, class of 1953. Preceded in death by parents, Thomas Esco and Claudine Bates Gentry. He is survived by loving companion, Eleanor Faye Cooper; daughter, Sonya Ernst; 2 grandchildren; many cousins, great friends and extended family. Thanks to all the wonderful staff, nurses and caretakers at Trinity Hills of Knoxville and UT Hospice. A special thank you to his hospice nurse Amanda. Family and friends may call Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel at their convenience on Monday, August 31st from 10am-5pm. A private graveside service will be held at Lynnhurst Cemetery with Pastor Gary Beeler of Luttrell, TN officiating. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Gentry family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.
Tributes
"So very sorry to learn of the passing of my friend John. He was a sweet, soft spoken gentleman and I will miss singing to him. Prayers of comfort for all his family. Jody Lusby@Trinity Hills"
"John was always so gracious when I would come to visit Faye. He put up with us laughing and reminiscing about all our good times. I am so sorry for the loss of such a good life partner, Faye. You have so many happy memories. Wish I could be there with you."
"John was such a special man. I didnt know he and Faye until later in life, but I loved hearing about his gardening and bus driving experiences. He will be missed by many"
"As children we looked forward to our summers in Union County where we spent the majority of our time with John G. our Grandfather ( Tommy Monroe) and our Uncle ( J.C. McKelvey) We had such fun playing in the fields and learning from him and of course the ice cream whether it was a brown cow or his incredible homemade. Reaching back it seems like sometimes we were just ride alongs for their errands but they always turned it into an adventure for us. Thank you. We love you."
"John G. was a distant cousin - our grand mothers were sisters. I lived in Knoxville but we spent time together in the summer as children. After we finished school I moved to Macon,Ga. and we rarely saw each other except at family gatherings. I remember these times fondly. We talked a couple of time in the past 2-3 years and it was with great sorrow that i learned John G, had several health problems. I hope he can rest now, L.E. Scandlyn"
"At the time I first met John, he was 15, a cousin of my wife-to-be Rosemary Gentry. We took several away football game trips with Roy Gentry (John's uncle and father of Rosemary) to see the Vols play. John was always fun to be around and became a very gifted story-teller. Over the years we became very good friends. A tradition that John and Faye shared with several of his cousins was lunch outings to restaurants or picnics, sometimes even day trips, for example, Berea Tavern in Berea, KY. John and Faye shared true love and devotion as a couple that is rarely seen. Faye, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I wish I could be in Knoxville to share our mutual loss. He will be missed by a lot of good friends and family. Robert Droke Aug., 30, 2020"
"Debby and I both loved John and thought the world of him. He helped Debby get a meeting with John Duncan Jr. and he also showed up when we talked with Duncan. We were trying to get disability for Debby because of her MS. He was such a kind and soft spoken person who selflessly gave of his time. We really enjoyed visiting with him and Faye over the years. He will be missed. Rest in Peace John. Mike and Debby Harmon"
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Gentry. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. Mayor Gary D. Chandler(City of Plainview)"
"With our sympathy Boyd & JoAnn Clark"
"Sorry for the passing of John. Dad (John W Howard) always spoke highly of John and he will be missed by many at Trinity Hills. May God Bless you in these difficult times. Howard Family"
"Faye, so sorry to hear of John's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you with love from the Adkins family. May he rest in peace and your life continue in good health with God's grace!"
"So sorry about uncle John. Love you . Pam Tallent"
"You have my deepest condolences, I worked with John years ago at Bell, he was always kind and jusr a great person to be around. Sincerely Angela Earles Patrick "
"Faye I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. Prayers to you and your family. Wilma Willis"
"Love and remember John from school @ Horace Maynard High. May God give you peace as only He can. Prayers."