William Walter “Bud” Gentry, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Eufaula, Al., on Sept. 18, after watching football on Saturday and having his customary scotch with his wife Darrellyn before bed.
By all accounts, Bud was a loyal, trusted and loved friend, husband, father and grandfather. He successfully ran Gentry Steel with his friend John Pearson. He was president until 1999 when he turned day-to-day operations over to John and continued to serve as chairman and trusted advisor until his death.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife Carol of 42 years. He was also preceded in death by his father W.W. Gentry Sr., his mother Melba Gentry, his siblings Dan Gentry, Louise Sprayberry, and Fred Gentry, and children Susan Hammond, Meg Chrisman, Jane Gentry and W.W. “Little Bud” Gentry III.
He is survived by his wife, Darrellyn Rozsypal Gentry, daughter, Kim Conner (Joe), sons, Scott Gentry and Chris Gentry along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he dearly loved and cherished.
A graveside service will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Sept. 23, at 2:30 p.m. Following the service, a Celebration of Life Reception will be held at the Walden Club, 633 Chestnut Street, from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bud’s memory to Kern Memorial United Methodist Church where Bud’s grandson, Will Conner, serves as pastor. Donations can be mailed to Kern Memorial United Methodist Church, 451 East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Online gifts can be made at kernchurch.org.