Gentry, W.O.

W.O. (Bill) Gentry, 80, of Rich Creek, passed away Monday, March 17, 2008, in Morehaven, Fla. He was born June 9, 1927, to the late James Harrison and Alice Byrd Shupe Gentry.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura Jean Caldwell Gentry; daughter, Laura Leah Gentry; a grandson, Jacob Harrison Gentry; a sister, Lula Gentry Brown; and a brother, Edward “Red” Gentry.

Mr. Gentry was a World War II United States Navy Veteran. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Rich Creek, Va., a member of Giles Lodge #106 A.F. & A.M., Pearisburg, Va. Mr. Gentry was an active member and Past President of the Rich Creek Lions Club. He owned and operated Bill’s Supermarket and Foodland Giles County, Va. He was also a Boy Scouts of America Troop Leader, a dedicated family man, and an avid fisherman and hunter.

He is survived by his loving wife, Myra Ann Lassiter Gentry; three sons, Charles Wayne Gentry and wife, Eleanor Jean, of Chesapeake, Va., William Michael Gentry and wife, Shirley, of Cary, N.C., and Eric Galen Gentry and wife, Jeanine Martin, of Pembroke, Va.; two stepsons, Larry Lassiter, of Rome, Ga., and Danny Lassiter, of Chattanooga, Tenn.; two daughters, Alicia Ann “Lisa” Blankenship and husband, Stephen, of Narrows, Va., and Laura Leigh Gentry, of Dublin, Va.; one stepdaughter, Cindy Colantuoni, of Manassas, Va.; a brother, James Walbert Gentry, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren; special fishing and hunting buddy, Bob Harvey, of Peterstown, W.Va.; also remembering his best little friends, Barney & Willie. He left behind many great friends in Florida where he was a “winter snow-bird” with his wife, Myra.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church, Rich Creek, Va., with the Rev. Aubrey Whitlow and members of the family participating. Friends may visit with the family at the First United Methodist Church in Rich Creek, Va., from 10 a.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Boy Scouts of America or Rich Creek Lions Club. Online guest book can be signed or condolences sent to www.broyles-shrewsbury.com. Arrangements by BroylesShrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown, W.Va.