James Gentry

Obituary For James Gentry

James Thomas Gentry peacefully entered into eternal rest on June 8, 2019. He was born in Pacolet, SC on August 17, 1939 to the late Oliver Smith, Sr. and Willie Mae Gentry. James was the husband of the late Levie E. Vance Gentry.

Mr. Gentry gave his life to the Lord at a young age at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Pacolet, SC where he served as a devoted usher, trustee board member and as an ordained Deacon.

He worked for Spides Service Station in Pacolet at a young age. Mr. Gentry worked at Draper Corporation in Spartanburg for twenty-eight years until its closing. James retired from International Wire. He also was a part-time security guard at Pinewood Shopping Center.

He loved to spend time with his family and friends and church family. James was an inspiration to so many and would always share his life experiences with everyone.

Left to continue his legacy of strength and faith are: his son, James Thomas Gentry, Jr. of Spartanburg, SC; his daughter, Aleta Carless Gentry of the home; his grandchildren, Thomas Pearson, III, and Kamesha Gentry both reared in the home, Antwan Jeter, Jimar Means, Nikila Gentry and LaCreisha Means all of Spartanburg, SC; his fifteen great-grandchildren; his sisters, Betty Means Hayes of Boiling Springs, SC, Mary Elizabeth Smith of Pacolet, SC and Valerie Smith of Spartanburg, SC; his brothers, Leonard (Shirley) Gentry of Lake City, FL and Oliver (Sheriam) Smith, Jr. of Greer, SC; his brother-in-law, Charlie McBeth of Pacolet, SC; and a host of special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his brother, Lewis Edward Gentry, Allen Gentry, Bobby Joe Gentry; his sister-in-law, Connie McBeth; his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Sanders Gentry; and his granddaughter, Tyreka Gentry.

A Celebration of the Life of James Thomas Gentry will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gethsemane Baptist Church, 190 Beech St., Pacolet, SC. Rev. Troy Gaffney will officiate. Burial will be in the Lincoln Memorial Gardens, 2310 Cannons Campground, Rd., Drayton, SC.