Sunrise June 3, 1947 ~ Sunset July 20, 2020
Jerry was born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1947 to George and Lillian Gentry. Raised by his parents and grandparents, he often remembered his childhood working on the family farm, singing in the church choir, and playing basketball. After school, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an aircraft carrier electrician for 23 years, and he enjoyed traveling. Once, while stationed in the Mediterranean, he took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, and was baptized in the Jordan River (for $18 he remembered!). Jerry also did three tours in Vietnam. He retired in 1989.
After retirement, Jerry moved to Seattle and began volunteering at the Downtown Food Bank and Pike Place Senior Center living out his love and commitment to community. In 2006, Jerry joined All Saints Episcopal Church, where he served as sexton for many years. He continued his service to community in his role as residential building manager at Atlantic Street Family Resource Center. Mr. Jerry was loved and respected by all. He once said, "Sometimes someone needs a little rainbow in their cloud, if only for a minute." For hundreds of people, Jerry was that rainbow.
Jerry is survived by his Mother Mrs. Lillian Gentry, Sister Paulette Colman (Samuel), Brother George Gentry Jr. (Diane) and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Gentry will be greeted in Heaven by his Father, Mr. George Gentry Sr., and his Sister Norma Brack.
Jerry will be laid to rest with full military honors.
