Billy James Gentry

Mr. Billy James Gentry Sr. passed away at his home on the morning of October 1, 2022 at the age of 90. He was born on August 4, 1932 in Surry County North Carolina to Charlie and Rosa Gentry.

Bill graduated from Elkin High School and while there began a career at Cash and Carry Wholesale lasting 51 years.  He was well known in the town of Elkin as well as Surry County.  While his career provided for his family, his true love was farming.  In his later years, Bill loved to be outside digging in the dirt, mowing the yard, and using his many handyman skills.  He was a member of the Elkin Masonic Lodge, a former member of the Elkin City Board of Education and deacon of the Baptist faith.  Billy loved his family and friends but most of all his God.  He enjoyed teaching, singing in the choir, and serving in the church.  He was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.

Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Millie Cleary Gentry, whom he cherished and cared for, a daughter Christine Sardler and husband Tony, son James Gentry and wife Carolyn, granddaughters Rosa Poindexter and husband Todd and Jamie Gentry; grandson Kurt Gentry and wife Haley; great granddaughters Kassidy, Katie, and Keegan Poindexter; brothers Jack Gentry, Charles Gentry and wife Marsha, and Larry Gentry and wife Rita; sisters Norma Vestal and husband KM and Evelyn Osborne.  He was preceded in death by grandson Robert Browne, brother-in-law Wayne Osborne and sister-in-law Mary Gentry.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 11:00 am at Crestwood Memorial Gardens in State Road with Pastor Mitch Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest that memorials may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church or the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Brotherhood. 1997 Pleasant Ridge Rd, State Road, NC 28676