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30 Condolences

Willie Lee Gentry, Jr.

Gentry Willie L. Jr.

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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Filed Under: Obituaries

Condolence Messages

  1. Gail Johnson

    February 28, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    I am sorry for the loss of your precious husband and father Willie

    Reply
  2. Sharm Kledzik

    February 28, 2019 at 9:12 pm

    Tia 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

    Reply
  3. Angela Butscher

    February 28, 2019 at 9:13 pm

    Oh 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.

    Reply
  4. Arlinda Lewis

    February 28, 2019 at 10:10 pm

    Rest 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

    Reply
  5. Mary Freeman

    February 28, 2019 at 11:22 pm

    Natia 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!

    Reply
  6. Becky Ritchie

    February 28, 2019 at 11:35 pm

    Willie was always a nice guy. We went to school from stamm through Ross. I know he will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  7. Darla Frech

    March 1, 2019 at 12:11 am

    Sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

    Reply
  8. William Bray

    March 1, 2019 at 12:57 am

    Willie 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.

    Reply
  9. Jon L. Horn

    March 1, 2019 at 12:57 am

    R.I.P Willey !!! so saddened by this news !! my sencire condolences to the family !!!

    Reply
  10. Erin

    March 1, 2019 at 3:44 am

    So 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.

    Reply
  11. Kiauna

    March 1, 2019 at 3:48 am

    He was a very kind man. Sorry for your lost. Prayers for your family. R. I. P

    Reply
  12. Fanny Wait

    March 1, 2019 at 3:53 am

    Tia 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

    Reply
  13. Jerry haralson Sr

    March 1, 2019 at 6:28 am

    Rip Willie gentry

    Reply
  14. Elsie johnson

    March 1, 2019 at 12:30 pm

    Sorry for your loss he was a good man

    Reply
  15. Jeff Hull

    March 1, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    Willie 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.

    Reply
  16. Rodney Clark

    March 1, 2019 at 1:02 pm

    Rest on my Brother

    Reply
  17. Dallas/Mae Dell Leake

    March 1, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    Condolences to Ms. Frances and the Family. So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  18. Becky Hahn

    March 1, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    I 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

    Reply
  19. Janine Spindler

    March 1, 2019 at 2:35 pm

    There 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.

    Reply
  20. Susan (Sue Recktenwald) Lyons

    March 1, 2019 at 6:43 pm

    Man, 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.

    Reply
  21. Tiffany DeArmond

    March 2, 2019 at 12:41 am

    My Condolences to Marcella Kindle and Family. Praying for peace and comfort of everyone’s grieving hearts.

    Reply
  22. Cassandrea (Sandi Jones) Tucker

    March 2, 2019 at 4:04 pm

    Terry, 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.

    Reply
  23. Gilbert Flores

    March 2, 2019 at 10:26 pm

    So very sorry for your family’s loss .

    Reply
  24. Elaine White Selvey

    March 3, 2019 at 12:49 am

    Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all during this difficult time. Grace & Peace.

    Reply
  25. William Scott

    March 3, 2019 at 7:03 am

    Everything 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!

    Reply
  26. Nikole,Jocelyn, Nolan Kiess

    March 3, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    Tía, 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

    Reply
  27. Larry Rodriguez

    March 3, 2019 at 10:34 pm

    My 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

    Reply
  28. Brent Foos

    March 4, 2019 at 10:38 pm

    A 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

    Reply
  29. Les & Rhoda Williams

    March 13, 2019 at 11:47 am

    Dear 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

    Reply
  30. james e chesnutte

    March 11, 2020 at 12:30 am

    so sorry for your loss it will be hard ,you will hold a special place in my heart. Willie had a way of making me laugh without his even trying to be funny. you will forever be remember and cherish as a great classmate, I had a relationship with him as another brother from another mother, and he had my back when needed, thanks bud, you go rest in peace and i will see soon.

    Reply

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