Clarence Lee Gentry

Clarence Lee Gentry, 85 of Telford, died Wednesday, March 14th, 2012, at James H Quillen Hospital VA Medical Center. He was born in Hixson TN but lived the majority of his life here in Johnson City. He was the son of the late Joseph Melvin Gentry and Annie E. Elliott Gentry. Clarence was the owner of Motor Ignition Company and former owner of Auto Electric Company. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church where he served his Lord as a deacon, choir member and was active in helping build the new sanctuary and classrooms. He served his country in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force during WW II, with tours of duty in England, France, and Germany. In addition to his parents, his oldest daughter, Sherrie Moore, and 4 sisters, Mae Marsh, Hazel Walters, Edna Martin, and Beatrice Gentry preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Joyce D Gentry of the home; a daughter, Lori Ledford of Johnson City; a step-daughter, Wendy Hutchins and husband Eddie of Broken Arrow, OK; a son, Kevin Gentry and wife Andea of Jonesborough; a step-son, Randy Godsey and wife Patricia of Johnson City; two sisters, Juanita Howard of Cleveland TN, and Pat James of Birmingham AL; two brothers, Dean Gentry of Lakeland, FL, and Wayne Gentry of Chatsworth, GA; 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. A funeral is scheduled for Sunday, March 18, 2012, at 4:00 pm in the South Chapel of the Morris-Baker Funeral Home, under the direction of Rev. Allen Davis. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until time of service at 4:00 pm. A committal service will be conducted on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 2:00 pm in the Mountain Home National Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be his beloved grandsons and close friends. Honorary pallbearers will be his beloved nephews. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home to leave in procession at 1:30 pm. The family would like to extend special thanks to all his caregivers: To Dot Wambach, thank you for all your love, hard work and sacrifices in helping keep Dad at home as long as possible; To all the caregivers at Appalachian Christian Village for your love and outstanding care; To the staff of the Progressive Care and Advanced Care Units at VA Med Center, Connie McIntosh, Miriam Deguzman, Rhonda Scott, Mike Pruitt, Patti Oliver, Ronnie Travis, and many others, we thank you for rallying around him with tender loving care and for treating him as if he were your father. We are forever grateful to Dr. Stephen Loyd and Dr. Miguel Ossorio and the members of the Green Team for your compassion and expertise.