Jerry R Gentry

Jerry R. Gentry

Jerry R. Gentry, a lifelong South Carolinian, was born in Greenville County and passed away at his home in Dacusville. He was a proud long-haul truck driver who often spoke fondly of the many friends he made across the country and took great pride in his loyalty to the Wrangler/VF company. He was a man with a big personality, a quick wit, a generous heart, and a sense of humor that could fill a room. If you knew Jerry, you knew he loved to make people laugh. And if someone didn't laugh at one of his jokes, he was quick to point out that they needed a sense of humor, because he certainly knew he was funny!

Jerry was a man of faith and served as a deacon at his church. He never hesitated to invite others to come to church, always wanting to share his faith and welcome people. He was proud of his family, especially his grandchildren, Cade and Kennedy. He looked forward to seeing them reach their goals. Cade completing his undergraduate degree from Presbyterian College and Kennedy finishing her law degree from Mercer University School of Law. He often joked that when Kennedy graduated, he was going to sue everybody!

Jerry was never one to hold back when he thought someone was wrong, and he certainly wasn't afraid to speak his mind. But beneath that strong personality was someone who could be counted on. If you needed something, Jerry would be there. He was always prepared for whatever might come his way, and he had a way of making life a little more entertaining for everyone around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Ford Gentry; his twin brother, Terry Gentry; his sister, Alvenia Murrell; his brother, Roger Gentry; and his nephew, Shane Gentry.

He is survived by his only child, Susan Gentry; his grandchildren, Kennedy and Cade Wright; his nephews Joey and Jeff Murrell; his faithful sister-in-law, Mary Gentry, and her children, Elizabeth, Cindi, Jody, and Tim; and nephews, Kary, Brent, and Travis; his girlfriend, Dede; and his special friend, Trish. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will miss his laughter, his stories, and his unmistakable personality.

Those who loved Jerry find comfort in imagining his reunion in heaven with his wife Jean, twin brother Terry and his other siblings. We can only imagine those brothers together again laughing, cutting up, playing pranks, and causing just as much trouble as they did here on earth. Knowing Jerry, he wouldn't have it any other way.

A memorial service celebrating Jerry's life will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Lane Baptist Church, 203 Marion Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29611. The service will be led by Pastor Finch.

Jerry will be remembered for his humor, his strong spirit, his faith, and the love he had for his family. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a whole lot of stories—and we suspect many of them will still make us laugh.

He was loved, he will be missed, and he will never be forgotten.