Ronald Gentry

Ronald W. (Ronnie) Gentry, age 66, of Hickory, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at his residence. He was born January 27, 1947 in Washington County, Va. to the late Raymond Ralph Gentry and Velma Hawkins Gentry. In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Kathleen Burgess, sister-in-law Ingrid McComas; brother-in-law, Curtis Sluder, and uncles: Richard Hawkins, Wilton Hawkins and Newton Hawkins. Ronnie graduated from Johnson County High School in 1965. Following high school, he attended college in Catawba County. He retired from General Electric, following 27 years of service. Ronnie always enjoyed working and after his retirement, he began a 17 year employment with Foothills Jewelry and Loans. He enjoyed the outdoors and was a member of Catawba County Wildlife Club. Ronnie was a United States Navy veteran and was a member of St John Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Monette Burgess Gentry, his son, Jesse Gentry of Hickory, NC; brother and sister-in-law, Kerry and Sandra Gentry of Mountain City, TN; sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Jim Boulanger of Mountain City, TN; half-brother, Raymond Gentry of Hickory, NC; sisters-in-laws and brother-in-laws: Linda Sluder, Karen Anderson and husband Terry, all of Shady Valley, TN,: Dennis Burgess and wife Kate, Brent Burgess and wife Donna and Bud McComas, all of Mountain City, TN; father-in-law, Keith Burgess of Mountain City, TN; nieces: Lacy Davis and Morgan Gentry; great nieces: Aubrey and Cora Davis; aunts and uncles: Calvin Hawkins, Lee Hawkins, Lillian Hawkins, Bonnie Icenhour and Annis Gentry; several more nieces and nephews and cousins and his best friend/dog, Bandit. The family will receive friends Wednesday March 20, 2013 from 2-3:30 p.m. at St Johns Methodist Church with funeral service to follow at 3:30 p.m. with Pastor Tom Prater to officiate. Pallbearers will be Terry Reid, Van Neely, Eric Taylor, Rick Bebber, Philip Zuzolo, Charles Threewitt and George Waldrop. Graveside service and interment with Military Honors will follow from Acre Field Cemetery and will be accorded by Johnson County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ronnie's memory may be sent to the First District Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Kevin Colson, 6633 Hwy 91 N., Laurel Bloomery, TN 37680 or Acre Field Cemetery, 1920 Gentry Creek Road, Laurel Bloomery, TN 37680. The family will also receive friends at their home in TN, 648 Hawkins Rd., Laurel Bloomery, TN 37680. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mountaincityfh.com The family of Ronald W. (Ronnie) Gentry has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.