Joe Ray Gentry

Joe Ray “PawPaw” Gentry, age 85, passed away Sunday morning January 21st at The Waters at Roan Highlands, Roan Mountain. He was born December 10, 1938 to the late Joe Fate and Gladys Shupe Gentry. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his Son-in-law Dr. Donald Garrett, Brother-in-laws Donald McCoy and Gene Odum and a special nephew Mike McCoy.

Joe Ray was the best daddy, pawpaw, brother, uncle, son, nephew, cousin and friend anyone could ask for. He was always willing to lend a hand to help anyone. He loved his girls fiercely. He was retired from National Textiles and also enjoyed farming over the years. He was a member of State Line Baptist Church Laurel Bloomery but had attended Mountain City First Baptist Church until his health wouldn’t allow him. He was a proud member of the Johnson County Class of 1956 and a FFA Alumni. He was also a Veteran of the United States Army.

Joe Ray is survived by his four girls-daughters Kim Gentry Garrett, Becky Gentry Eastridge and husband Johnny, granddaughters Leanna (Lucas Wright) Garrett and Katie Timbs all of Mtn. City, sister Betty McCoy Crawley, WV, twin sister Julia “Babe” Odum Bristol, TN, aunt Dora Williams, niece Cathy (Paul) Thomas, nephews Curtis (Lisa) McCoy, Ricky McCoy and Bradley Odum, several great nieces and nephews and cousins plus Roger Fenner who was like a son to him and numerous other friends and neighbors.

His girls would like to especially thank Nicole Guy Hughes, Logan Fillers, Melissa Cornett, and the Staff of The Waters at Roan Highlands for all the extra love and care they showed Joe Ray during his sickness.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Mountain City Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastors Ricky Campbell and Shannon Courtner officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Johnson County Honor Guard. The graveside service and burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Phillippi Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Poteet, Mike Essick, Mark Ward, Mark Ward II, Alan Tester, and Jimmy Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Tester, Sanford Cable, Kaleb Jennings, and "Luther's girls".

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joe Ray’s memory to Johnson County FFA Alumni 348 Fairground Lane Mountain City, TN 37683

The family of Joe Ray Gentry has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683.