Clarence Junior Gentry

Clarence “Junior” Gentry, age 89, passed away January 28, 2025 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA. Junior was born March 24, 1935 in Shady Valley, TN to the late Clarence and Gladys Gentry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lillie Alice Morely and granddaughter, Amber Nicole Gentry.

Junior had spent many years farming and raising tobacco with his little brother, Conley. They enjoyed this time together and shared many laughs and stories during their work. He was a true outdoorsman and loved gardening, flowers, riding his tractor, his cats, and feeding the birds. He also adored the countless hours spent sitting on the front porch with family, friends, and neighbors. He looked forward to his daily newspaper and watching episodes of Andy Griffith Show or Gunsmoke. He was a wonderful husband to his wife of 67 years and they enjoyed every moment together. Junior retired after 21 years of employment at TDOT. Junior was of the Baptist faith and attended Shady Valley Presbyterian Church. 

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife, Elsie Gentry; daughters, Kathy Rogers (Rob), Clara Heaton (Kent), Karen Eller, Kitty Peters (Jeff), Tracy Greer (Jim); son, Mark Gentry; sisters, Louise Miller, Eleanor Wagner, Helen McQueen (Charles), Francis Duncan; brothers, James Gentry (Ida), Conley Gentry (Sue); grandchildren, Robbie Rogers (Kristie), Rebecca Reece, Matthew Peters, Laura Baird (Matt), Tyler King (Jessica), Ashley Ferguson (Matt), Caleb Greer (Natalie); great grandchildren, Kylah Rogers (Thomas), Keaton Rogers, Hailie Reece, Ethan Reece, McKynlee Peters, Madalyn Peters, Levi Ferguson, Addyson Rogers, Lenyx Rogers; special neighbors, Nancy Forrester and Sharon McQueen who visited often; special friend, Harold Wilcox; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express a special thanks to son-in-law, Jeff Peters, for his care given to Junior. Also, a special thanks to Amedisys Home Health, especially Hallie Mahala, Cindy, Penny, Sherry, Gloria, and Stephanie and the office of the late Dr. Tom Green, the office of Dr. Istfan, Rachel Freeman, McKayla Duncan and everyone at the CVA Heart Institute.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Mountain City Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor James Gentry officiating and Matt Baird to speak. The graveside service will follow at Shady Valley Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Robbie Rogers, Matthew Peters, Tyler King, Caleb Greer, Keaton Rogers, and Ethan Reece. Honorary pallbearers are David Sluder, Matt Baird, Larry Gentry, McGetty Greer, Jeff Peters, Benny Campbell, Rob Rogers, Kent Heaton, Jim Greer and Harold Wilcox.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shady Valley Fire Department, c/o Conley Gentry, 340 Walker Rd., Shady Valley, TN 37688 or Shady Valley Rock School, 423 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN 37688.

At other times, friends and family may visit the home, 882 Orchard Rd, Shady Valley, TN 37688.

The family of Clarence “Junior” Gentry has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.