State Road Mr. Roger Andrew Gentry, age 83, of State Road, passed away April 14, 2008 at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hosptial. Born December 11, 1924 in Surry County, he was the son of the late Andrew Luther and Nancy Ray Gentry. Mr. Gentry was a graduate of Elkin High School and a veteran of World War II, having served in the 41st Armored Infantry Regiment of the United States Army and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor. He was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church where he had taught Sunday school for many years. He was a builder and contractor for over 50 years and enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and time spent with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons Andy & Chris Gentry; a grandson, Luke Gentry; a daughter-in-law, Penny Walker; a brother, Ray Gentry; sisters Emma Martin, Lois Goodwill, Edith Masoncup, Frances Burcham and infant sister Chloe Gentry. Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Thelma Slawter Gentry; a son, Tim Gentry of State Road; a daughter, Sue G. Dobbins and husband Steve of Hickory; a daughter-in-law, Mary T. Gentry of State Road; a brother Roy Gentry of California; sisters, Alva Long of Elkin, Vanice Carswell and Dorothy Montgomery of Winston-Salem; four grandchildren, Allison Dobbins of Alpharetta, GA, Andrew Dobbins and wife Callie of Huntersville, Ronny Gentry and Cord Gentry of State Road; a great grandson, Jackson Stephen Dobbins. A Celebration of Roger's Life Service will be held, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Poplar Springs Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Steve Kramm and Rev. Roger Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military graveside honors by the Yadkin VFW Post 10346 Sloans Mill Road, Hamptonville, NC 27020. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service from Noon until 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to The Andy Gentry Scholarship Fund c/o Elkin City Schools Admin Center, 202 West Spring Street, Elkin, NC 28621 or to The Chris Gentry Scholarship Fund, Barnwell High School, Jackson Street, Barnwell SC 29812 or to Poplar Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, State Road, NC The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff, volunteers and residents of Hugh Chatham Nursing Center for their loving care and friendship and to the 2nd floor nurses of Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital for their compassion and kindness. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the Gentry Family.
