OXFORD:
Benjamin Autry Gentry, 70, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009. He was the son of the late Maynard and Elizabeth Adcock Gentry. He spent his early childhood in Robeson and Person Counties and later moved to Oxford, NC where he graduated from high school then served in the Air Force. Upon returning to Oxford, he began work at Union National Bank.
Banking became his profession of 34 years during which time he served as an Executive for Union National Bank and later Southern National Bank and BB and T. After retirement, he continued to be passionate about banking and became the founder of Union Bank and Trust and served on its Board. In his younger professional years, Mr. Gentry was active in numerous civic groups. He is a member of United Methodist Church. He loved spending time at Carolina Beach, enjoyed fishing and was an avid baseball fan.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Wilkerson Gentry; children, Ben Gentry of Oxford, Glenda Bragg and husband, Martin, of Franklinton, Jill Bettenhausen and husband, Mike, of Arlington, VA; his four grandchildren Clay, Alex, Laura and Cole; his sister, Betsy Greenway of Camden, SC; and brother, Ferrell Gentry of Austin, TX. He was preceded in death by one brother, Joe Terry Gentry and one sister, Emily Marie Gentry.
The memorial service will be held Friday, March 2009 at 11:00AM in the Gentry –Newell & Vaughan Chapel by the Rev. Pat Hawkins and Rev. John Yount. The family will receive visitors Thursday from 7:00-8:30PM at Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home, and other times they will be at the home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzeihmer’s Disease Foundation, 742 North Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 27526. Online memorials www.gnvfh.com select obituaries
Michelle Jones
March 12, 2009 at 12:00 amMy deepest condolences and thoughts are with you, Glenda, and your family during this time.
Michelle Jones
Sarah Otterburn
March 12, 2009 at 12:00 amTo the family,
I have had the pleasure of speaking with Autry I was not allowed to call him Mr Gentry or Benjamin many, many times as I work for BB&T benefits. As a matter fact, I knew it was him by his voice and he didn’t have to tell me who he was. I am saddened to hear of his untimely death and want to send my love, support and prayers out to his family and especially his wife. May God be with you all during this difficult time and I will truly miss talking with him on a regular basis. Blessing to you all.
Love,
Sarah Otterburn
BB&T Benfits Administration
336 733 2413
Pastor Fredericksen
March 12, 2009 at 12:00 amOur prayers go out to you all in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior from all of us at Our Savior, Arlington. We are sorry for your loss and pray for God’s love to console you.
Billi Wilson
March 12, 2009 at 12:00 amI remember seeing and talking with Autry at family reunion in Allensville. I remember his father Maynard very well-he was brother to my Grandmother Ella Gentry Davis. I am sorry for your loss and pray that you find comfort in happy memories.
Timmy Lee
March 12, 2009 at 12:00 amAutry was a terrific person & also
a dear friend.He will always be in
my heart.He will be dearly missed.
My condolences to the family.
Timmy Lee
Gina Elliott
March 14, 2009 at 12:00 amGentry family,
I am saddened to learn of your loss. Mr. Gentry always held a special place in my head and my heart. When my father passed some 20 years ago, Mr. Gentry stepped up to the plate and gave me words of advice and wisdom. He gave me a place to live for a summer at Carolina Beach, he helped me buy my first car, and he taught me the value of a good credit score and financial responsibility. He asked me to never let him down and I haven’t. He didn’t have to do those things for me, but, all these years later, I remember and I am a better person for having known him. Gina
Jesus R. Osuna
March 17, 2009 at 12:00 amTo the Gentry family,
I want to express my deepest sympathies and sorrow for your loss. Autry was a wonderful gentleman and person, who made me and my family feel welcomed in Oxford when we moved from California. His generous spirit and sense of humor will be missed. God bless him.
Sincerely,
Jesus R. Osuna
March 17, 2009
Sarah Burris
March 25, 2009 at 12:00 amAutry was a past client of mine in Wilmington, NC. I was so shocked and saddened when I learned he passed away. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Yours truly,
Sarah Burris
Intracoastal Realty
910-540-2490