Mr. J. W. Gentry completed his earthly life on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Blue Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hendersonville, NC. He was born on June 30, 1930 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Eckles Miller, Sr. and Estelle Gentry Miller.

He retired after 42 years from Cleveland Regional Medical Center now known as Atrium Health-Cleveland as a Surgical Assistant in the Operating Room. He was also a veteran in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict in Germany as a Medical Assistant from 1950-1956.

J.W. was a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where he was a Trustee. He was in charge of keeping the lawn cut and the outside clean; driver of the Food Ministry and many other duties as a man of God. He never complained and was willing to help "all" people. He planted a garden for the church and donated produce to all. He was truly a giver!

J.W. was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ruth Hardin Gentry; his mother and father; three sisters, Gentry Ann Miller Eskridge, Constance Miller Huff and Donna Miller; two brothers, George Walter Gentry and Eckles Miller, Jr.

He leaves to cherish fond memories, two sisters, Mary Etta Gentry of Shelby, NC and Marilyn M. Hopper of Lawndale, NC; one brother, Bobby Gentry of Washington, NC; a very "special friend" and "caregiver" Ms. Rochelle Cannedy of Shelby, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 3:00 PM at Faith Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Anthony Negbenebor officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Saturday and other times at the home of his niece, Mary Degree, 1110 Stanton Drive Shelby, NC. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.