Dr. David Raymond Gentry Sr.

dr. david gentry sr.

September 26, 1933 ~ June 23, 2011

Born in: Easley, SC
Resided in: Stone Mountain, GA

Dr. David Raymond Gentry Sr. of Stone Mountain, GA passed away as a result of complications from surgery to remove lung cancer on Thursday June 23, 2011, at the Vista-Care Hospice at Emory University Hospital. He was surrounded by family and friends before he went to be with the Lord. David came from humble beginnings and went on to accomplish much. His career in Textile Engineering included professorships at Georgia Tech and Clemson University, consultant work, and research work for Phillips Petroleum Fibers, and Amoco Fabrics and Fibers. He retired from Amoco in 1999 after 20 years of service. More importantly, he was a kind, patient, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife, Mary Lynn White Gentry were married for 56 years. David was born on September 26, 1933 in Easley, SC to Thomas Herbert, and Rosalee Howard Gentry and grew up on their family farm. His father was a farmer and a mechanic, and his mother worked in a textile mill when she had to in addition to taking care of the children, house, and farm. David loved music, could play hymns on the piano, and played the trombone. He played marching band, concert band, and big band in high school and college. He continued playing well into his retirement years with the Jungleers, a big band associated with Clemson University, and with the orchestra at Briarlake Baptist Church. David earned his Bachelors Degree from Clemson University while it was still a military school and loved being a cadet. He went on to earn a Masters at the Institute of Textile Technology in Charlottesville, V A and a PhD from Clemson University. He and Mary Lynn White Gentry were married on June 5, 1955, the same day that David graduated with his Bachelors Degree from Clemson. He is survived by his wife-Mary Lynn White Gentry, two children- David Raymond Gentry Jr. and Mary Diane Gentry Windsor, and grandson- Daniel David Gentry. His surviving siblings include two sisters-Helen Corn of Easley, SC, Sarabeth McQueen of Clinton SC, and one brother-Reverend Foster Gentry of Table Rock SC. His pre-deceased siblings include brothers Herbert Howard Gentry of Burlington, NC and Frank Howard Gentry of Easley, SC. The family would like to give special thanks to Foster and Sylvia Gentry, David's niece Sandra McQueen, family friends Johnnie and Joyce Floyd, Associate Pastor Rodney Webb, and all the staff and members of Briarlake Baptist Church for their help, guidance, and comfort through this difficult time.

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  1. Mary Lynn, The families of David Gentry Jr, Diane Windsor an other family members. We extend our sincere condolences to you at this time when our friend, David Sr. has departed the earth to be with his Lord forever. We love each of you and rejoice knowing that one day we shall meet him again. May God comfort each of you every day with the knowledge that David Sr. is well and happy today.

  2. Mary Lynn, you have meant so much to me for the past 25 years or so, and the last 8, I’ve had the privilege of knowing David as he lovingly brought you to see me each week at the salon. He will surely be missed by all; it is my pleasure to have known and kept company with such a devoted, loving husband to you, my dear friend. Love, Gail

  3. Diane and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Diane for several years and think the world of her. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time

  4. Mary Lynn, If Sam or I can do anything for you we are a phone call away: 404-636-8630. I will be bringing some food.

    Sam and I are praying for you and your family.
    I love you,
    Bonnie

  5. Mary Lynn and Family
    You have been in our thoughts and prayers for months and especially now. We rejoic with you as David now has ultimate healing and is face to face with our Savior. We will continue to lift you up in the adjustment period to come.
    Love,
    Joann and Jerry

  6. Mary Lynn, so sorry to hear of David’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  7. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are so very sorry for your loss. We can be comforted by knowing that he is at peace.

  8. Tenderly…Gently…Softly
    may god’s peace replace your heartache with warm and loving memories.
    LIFE HAS TO END, LOVE DOES NOT.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Love Helen

  9. Mary Lynn and Family,

    I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  10. I am so sorry for the lost of this fine man. My condolences to all his family. Tommy White and I were good friends when we were growing up in Clemson.

  11. Mary Lynn,

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so glad I got to know you and David. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

    Love,
    Ashley Rhinehart

  12. Mary Lynn and Diane and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in this time of sorrow. Love Uncle Ted

    Psalm’s 46:10

  13. Mary Lynn,

    I was really saddened to hear of your loss. David and I were in the Bands together and graduated from Clemson in the same class along with Steve. I always thought that David was an outstanding person and his impressive obituary confirmed that he continued to be that in his later life. Please thank Tommy for communicating with the Calhoun-Clemson site.

  14. David, Edith Youngblood, Pat Foster and myself attended Easley High. We have worked on many reunions and were planning on one this year.
    We all admired him and have kept up with him the past years.
    God Bless your family.

    Annie Harbuck Andrews

  15. David Gentry was my uncle. Uncle David was the essence of the old fashioned word, “gentleman.” He was truly a gentle man, and humble as well, despite having many gifts worthy of being proud of. He was quietly but solidly optimistic, and seemingly he saw the best in everyone else. He was the sort of rare person who left one feeling like a better and somehow nobler person, just for being around him. I am proud to claim him as my uncle, and I know that he will be greatly missed.

  16. Aunt Mary Lynn, Dave, and Diane, so sorry to hear of Uncle David’s passing. He was a wonderful man and a treasure to the Gentry family. My prayer is that God will assuage your grief and help you through this difficult time. David was blessed with a rich and full life. Cherish those memories and hold them close to help sustain you in the days and weeks ahead.

  17. Aunt Mary Lynn, Diane, and Dave;
    May God’s love sustain you through the difficult days ahead. My prayer is that your grief will be assuaged by His love for you all. Uncle David was indeed a family treasure and will be missed by all.

  18. I was saddened to hear of Dr. Gentry’s passing and offer my condolences. I am a 1976 Tech graduate in Textile Chemistry and had Dr. Gentry for undergrad and graduate classes. I cherish many special memories of my time at Tech and the best times were spend with my professors and fellow classmates at the Textile School. He will be missed.


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