Larry Oval Gentry
Larry Oval Gentry, 79, of Ooltewah, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in a local hospital surrounded by his family.
A lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Mr. Gentry began a career in insurance in 1970 having worked for National Life Ins. Co. and Allstate Insurance Co. He began his teaching career in the industry 17 years ago beginning with Kaplan University and later with Purdue University. For the past three years, Mr. Gentry has been affiliated with Patriot Insurance Solutions, Inc. Mr. Gentry was proud of his CLU designation (Chartered Life Underwriter) in the insurance industry.
He was actively involved at Lakewood Baptist Church and was an avid photographer, enjoyed traveling, boating, model airplanes and was a Solara convertible car enthusiast.
He held memberships with the Sertoma Club and the Toyota Club.
Larry was enlisted in the U.S. Army and was also a member of the National Guard for many years.
He will be fondly remembered for his enthusiastic energy, his storytelling, and the many lasting friendships he developed over his career.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Oval Gentry and Lennie Capps Gentry.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rhonda Gentry; children, Greg (Ainslie Plunk) Gentry, Asheville, NC, Eric (Angie) Gentry, Georgetown, Tn., and Leanne (Donnie) Eldridge, Cleveland, Tn.; grandchildren, Emily Eldridge, Jacob Eldridge, Anne Marie Eldridge, Walker Gentry, and Kennedy Gentry; sister, Susan Jochym; brother, Steve (Rita) Gentry, all of Chattanooga; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Ronnie Gilbert officiating. A private burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery with Greg Gentry, Eric Gentry, Donnie Eldridge, Walker Gentry, Jacob Eldridge, and Dewitt Slatton serving as pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, or you may plant a tree in memory of Larry at Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 (shop.arborday.org).
You may share condolences with the family at www.heritagechattanooga.com
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.