James Ray Gentry

James Ray Gentry, 88, formerly of Wall Street, was greeted by his Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, February 2, 2013. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Heavens Gate Church with the Rev. Kenneth Norman officiating. Mr. Gentry was born June 3, 1924, in Wilkes County, to Tyre M. Gentry and Martha Hutchinson Gentry. Ray proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 – 1946. He married the love of his life, Ruth Southard Gentry, December 28, 1946. Mr. Gentry retired from Dixie Furniture in 1989. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Erma Hayes and Grace Poplin; two brothers, Paul and Ralph Gentry; a daughter, Sharon Gentry Smith; a grandson, Michael Smith; and a great-grandson, Dakota Thompson. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Ruth Southard Gentry, of the home; daughter, Debbie Thompson Morgon of the home; grandson, Wesley Thompson of Lexington; three great-grandchildren, Mikayah, Elijah and Micah Thompson, all of Lexington; very special nephew, Mickey Hayes and his wife Nina of Wilkes County; sister, Delcie Lyon and husband Bill of Thurmond; and a brother, Vaughn Gentry and wife Dinah of North Wilkesboro. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Heaven’s Gate Church, 100 Rolling Park Dr., Lexington, NC, 27292.