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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