Joe Bennett Gentry

Joe Bennett Gentry, age 80, of Venice, FL, passed away on March 19, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on September 10, 1942, in Tompkinsville, KY to Thomas and Rosa Ann Gentry. Joe was an accomplished Army Veteran serving in Vietnam as an Airborne Ranger in the 151st Infantry where he was acknowledged as a riffle and jungle expert. Joe went on to work for Eli Lilly & Company, where he was a part of their golf team, retiring after 30 years. After retirement, Joe and his wife of 55 years, Dolores, relocated to Venice, FL in 2002 from Martinsville, IN allowing Joe to swim, golf and bike all year round. He also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps as well as giving back and helping others whenever possible. God, family, and country were his utmost priority, and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, is what kept him fighting through his 30-year battle with Parkinson’s. Joe loved his wife deeply and was grateful she was always by his side taking care of him after being diagnosed. Joe also loved his siblings and cherished their time together and visits to Florida. Joe always led by example. His work ethic and philanthropic spirit will continue to live on through his children and grandchildren. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Joe is preceded in death by his sisters Audrey, Aileen, Pearl, Gwen, Pauleen and Alma; brothers James and Alvie. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Dolores Gentry, of Venice, FL; daughter Kim (Rob) Forsythe of Naples, FL; son Mike Gentry of Nashville, TN; grandchildren Christopher Forsythe of Naples, FL, Clayton Joseph Gentry of Nashville, TN, Taylor Ann Gentry of Nashville, TN; sisters Jewel Waters of Texas, Judy Hoover of California; as well as many nieces and nephews. A visitation of family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Venice from 10:30 to 11:30 with a funeral service at 11:30 and a luncheon to follow immediately after. The family requests that memorial donations be made in honor of Joe Gentry to the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Home, 21281 Grayton Terrace, Port Charlotte, FL 33954. Please mark the check: Activities Department. To share a memory of Joe or to send a condolence to the family visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com