John Gentry

John William Gentry, 86, of Riceville, TN passed away on February 21, 2025 at his residence.

John was a veteran of the United States Army where he served in Korea for 13 months. The remaining of his time in the Army was spent in Fort Benning, GA where he trained snipers, jumpers, and hand to hand combat for soldiers going to Vietnam. He retired in 1993 from Duracell. John loved fishing and was a member of the Cleveland Bassmasters.

Preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Marie Gentry; daughter, Kimberly Gentry; three brothers, Jack, Tommy and Earl Gentry; two sisters, Frances Redd and Kathy Gentry.

Survivors include his wife of 40 loving years, Sherrie Gentry; two daughters, Shawna Deford (Todd) and Sharon Shell (Keith); son, Daniel Gentry; granddaughters, Madelyn Gentry and Ashley Gentry; grandsons, Jaxson Gentry and Chad Shell; fur babies, Amy (his special baby), Abby, Princess, and granddog, Jack who he loved to "babysit"; and many nieces, nephews, and other loved family members.

There will be a Graveside Service on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Cleveland, TN at 12:00pm. A Visitation will be held prior from 10:00am - 11:00am at Companion Funeral Home of Athens, TN.

You are invited to share a personal memory of John or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist the Gentry family with these arrangements.