Willie Lee Gentry, Jr., 56 of Fremont, OH passed away at his home with his family by his side on February 26, 2019. He was born March 4, 1962 in Newbern, TN, the son of Willie Lee Gentry, Sr. and Frances Kindle-Rucker. He was a 1980 graduate of Fremont Ross High School.
Willie served in the U.S. Army from August of 1981 to August of 1988 and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC); Good Conduct Medal (2nd Awd); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; M-16 Rifle (Marksman) and Army Lapel Button.
Willie married Terry Pickett on September 2, 1983 in Fort Lewis, WA and she survives.
He worked as a supervisor at Crescent Manufacturing for twenty-five years.
Willie played football and ran track in high school and continued his football career at college in Iowa. He loved his wife, daughter and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was known and loved for his sense of humor. Willie never met a stranger and was known to always leave a smile on your face leaving a lasting impression.
Willie is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Terry Gentry and daughter, Natia (Jeffrey Good) Gentry both of Fremont, OH; grandchildren, Ariyanna and Jayveon Good; father, Willie Lee Gentry, Sr., Trenton, TN and mother, Frances Kindle-Rucker, Fremont, OH; siblings, Marcella Kindle, Columbus, OH, James (Pam) Kindle, Fremont, OH, Karen (Ray) Hamilton, Nashville, TN, Greg Rucker and Gary Rucker both of Fremont, OH; mother-in-law, Vermell Chestnut, Myrtle Beach, SC; honorary daughter, Staci Mullen and honorary granddaughter, Amerie Bates of Toledo, OH; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his father, Garfield Rucker; step mother, Mary Gentry; siblings, Jeff Gentry and Rosalind Rucker-Bulger; grandparents, James and Ella Kindle; nephew Trevon Kindle and father-in-law, Alton Lee Chestnut.
Visitation: Saturday from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Missionary Church, 1697 Dickinson St., Fremont, OH with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Thaddeus Lee officiating.
Burial: McGormley Cemetery, Fremont, OH with military honors provided.
Memorials: American Cancer Society
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Gail Johnson
February 28, 2019 at 9:06 pmI am sorry for the loss of your precious husband and father Willie
Sharm Kledzik
February 28, 2019 at 9:12 pmTia we are so sorry for your loss it will be hard I know you were so close Stay strong for the children love them like dad loved you If you need anything we are here.
Sharm Jack and Aubrey
Angela Butscher
February 28, 2019 at 9:13 pmOh honey. I am so sorry for your loss. I was also very close to my Dad and it is devastating when that is your go to person, the one who helps you through the rough times. My dad passed away 2 years ago and I still cry and miss him every day. I spent the last 18 months before he passed by going to stay with him at the Willows. We used to go out for breakfast and coffee. Those last 18 months were precious to me because I learned more about my dad and his parents by being there everyday. I have never regretted any moment I spent with him. I will pray for you and your family. I know it’s not enough. Just know that you are not alone in your grief.
Arlinda Lewis
February 28, 2019 at 10:10 pmRest on dear cousin Willie.. We had some good laughs the last year sitting on my porch being so close as neighbors and you playing with my grandkids.I love you and you will be missed dearly.
Cousin Linda Lewis
Mary Freeman
February 28, 2019 at 11:22 pmNatia so sorry to hear you losing your dad. He loved you so much, just to mentioned your name and he would just smile. What a smile he had!! Praying your family stays strong through this time of mourning. Love you girl!
Becky Ritchie
February 28, 2019 at 11:35 pmWillie was always a nice guy. We went to school from stamm through Ross. I know he will be greatly missed.
Darla Frech
March 1, 2019 at 12:11 amSorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
William Bray
March 1, 2019 at 12:57 amWillie was one of my dad’s (coach Norman Bray) favorite sprinters on the track team. Willie could run like the wind and was always fun to watch. I am so sorry for your loss and know that we loved him as if he belong to us. May GOD wrap his arms around you and feel his comfort.
Jon L. Horn
March 1, 2019 at 12:57 amR.I.P Willey !!! so saddened by this news !! my sencire condolences to the family !!!
Erin
March 1, 2019 at 3:44 amSo many funny memories of Willie from my childhood through adulthood. He will be greatly missed by his family. My condolences to all of you during this tough time.
Kiauna
March 1, 2019 at 3:48 amHe was a very kind man. Sorry for your lost. Prayers for your family. R. I. P
Fanny Wait
March 1, 2019 at 3:53 amTia Jeffrey and family. Sorry to hear about Willie. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love you guys I’m here if you need me. Love Aunt Fanny
Jerry haralson Sr
March 1, 2019 at 6:28 amRip Willie gentry
Elsie johnson
March 1, 2019 at 12:30 pmSorry for your loss he was a good man
Jeff Hull
March 1, 2019 at 12:47 pmWillie was one of my entertaining friends in high school. I sadly lost track of him later in life, but think of him often . He was charismatic, funny and a bit of a rascal, and, man, you did not want to run a route over the middle and get hit by him. Oddly, Willie showed me how to do the double dip slow dance with girls down at Capone’s disco. He gave me lots of laughs. I wish I had known him
Better as we grew older. I’m sad to not have that chance. My thoughts are with his family. Rest In Peace, Willie G.
Rodney Clark
March 1, 2019 at 1:02 pmRest on my Brother
Dallas/Mae Dell Leake
March 1, 2019 at 1:22 pmCondolences to Ms. Frances and the Family. So sorry for your loss.
Becky Hahn
March 1, 2019 at 1:28 pmI am saddened to hear of the passing of Willie. I went to school with him. I am so sorry for your loss! May God comfort you in your grief! Willie has always been such a nice guy! I had many conversations with him over the years. Take care! I send my love and sympathy! Becky
Janine Spindler
March 1, 2019 at 2:35 pmThere was never a boring day at Crescent Mfg. when Willie was around. He had such a unique spirit. The world will miss my friend. Deepest sympathy to entire family.
Susan (Sue Recktenwald) Lyons
March 1, 2019 at 6:43 pmMan, sorry to hear this. Glad I happened to run into you Willie that one day at Chuds when I was in town just a few years ago. Rest in peace at Jesus feet.
My condolences to all the family and friends. God bless ya’ll.
Tiffany DeArmond
March 2, 2019 at 12:41 amMy Condolences to Marcella Kindle and Family. Praying for peace and comfort of everyone’s grieving hearts.
Cassandrea (Sandi Jones) Tucker
March 2, 2019 at 4:04 pmTerry, Natia and Mrs Francis,
You all and your family are in my prayers. Whenever or wherever I would see Willie, he gave me his huge smile and hug. I pray the presence of God’s comfort and peace envelop you.
Gilbert Flores
March 2, 2019 at 10:26 pmSo very sorry for your family’s loss .
Elaine White Selvey
March 3, 2019 at 12:49 amSorry for your loss. Prayers for you all during this difficult time. Grace & Peace.
William Scott
March 3, 2019 at 7:03 amEverything happens in cycles, even death! Each of us deals with it in his or her own way. I feel truly blessed to have known Willie, and it’s not over, death is just a prelude to the glory and slender that awaits us all! To the family, live your best life, and his won’t be in vain! LuvYa, from my heart!
Nikole,Jocelyn, Nolan Kiess
March 3, 2019 at 4:06 pmTía, my heart breaks for your loss, and I pray for your strength. No matter what he will never leave your heart, and that’s forever.I am so glad he got to see hist grandson. I pray you and the kids stay strong, and will be okay. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. Jocelyn,Nolan, and I will be there for you. Xoxo
Larry Rodriguez
March 3, 2019 at 10:34 pmMy family offers our condolences to you and your family, Willie was
a great person to be around and will be missed greatly God bless you all
Brent Foos
March 4, 2019 at 10:38 pmA third of the 1979 Fremont Ross football team starting defensive secondary has left us too early but never to be forgotten. What a wonderful teammate, fierce competitor and good friend. RIP Willie
Les & Rhoda Williams
March 13, 2019 at 11:47 amDear Family, May you know that we share a portion of your grief! Willie, a one-of- a kind person, will be greatly missed by Les & Rhoda. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Willie had a way of making us laugh without his even trying to be funny. We will forever remember and cherish our nephew/friend/brother relationship with him. Until the day he passed, Les would frequently ‘text’ him messages of encouragement. We strongly believe that his spirit received those messages. Love You all, Les & Rhoda Williams