David Allen Gentry

David Allen Gentry, 81, died peacefully at his home in Lakeland, Florida, on January 11, 2024, with family nearby and his wife of 60 years, Judith Stanger Gentry, at his side. David was born October 15, 1942, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the first of the two sons of Donald Gentry, who soon shipped out to serve with the Army Corps of Engineers in Europe, and Geneva (Buffaloe) Gentry (later Loudermilk). David grew up in Indianapolis, where he graduated from Washington High School and met Judith. They married in 1963, and in 1973, after he had worked several years at RCA’s record pressing plant and Judith had become a registered nurse, they moved with their three children to Lakeland, where David worked in various fields from auto repair to insurance brokerage, eventually retiring from Publix. He lived a full and rewarding life in his chosen hometown, traveling frequently and enjoying his family around the country, and left this life without regrets.

He is survived by Judith; their children Gregory Gentry, Randal Gentry (and wife Shirley), and Sheryl Gentry (and husband Mark Lockwood); by his brother Stephen Gentry (and wife Linda) and stepbrothers and sisters Tom Loudermilk (and wife Debbie), Robin Loudermilk, Kathy Smith (and husband Kevin), and Tracey Loudermilk; and by his grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later time.