Charles Jackson Gentry

Charles Jackson Gentry passed away on November 28, 2025. He was born August 17, 1936, in Eastman, Georgia, to Oscar Alan Gentry II and Mary Porter Jackson Gentry Finley.

Charlie lived his childhood in Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated from Georgia Military Academy. Throughout his life, Charlie was a sportsman. His first sport, which carried him far into his adulthood, was swimming. Charlie swam competitively as a child, in college, and as an adult. He also coached swimming in his younger adult years. He attended Florida State University on a swimming scholarship. During his sophomore year at FSU, Charlie enlisted in the US Marine Corps, serving two years before being honorably discharged. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. From there, Charlie attended the University of Georgia, where he swam for the Bulldogs. While in Athens, he was the SEC Champion in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard backstroke, 400-yard backstroke, and freestyle relay. After college, Charlie coached swimming, returning to his hometown of Knoxville. While there, his swim teams won the Knoxville Interclub Championship for four consecutive years. As he aged, his love for Swimming did not cease. From 1980-1985, he swam as a Master swimmer, and in 1982, he was the National Champion in the 50 and 100 yard backstrokes for his age group of 45-19. For his contribution to the sport, Charlie was inducted into the University of Tennessee swimming Hall of Fame in 1991. 

Charlie spent much of his adult life working at Millhaven Plantation from 1966-2008. During these years and in his retirement, he became an avid golfer. Throughout the years, he played in tournaments all over the place, making friends along the way. He most often played with friends at Brier Creek Country Club and Forest Heights.

The later years of his life were often enjoyed with his beloved grandchildren and his wife.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Johnson Gentry, his former wife, Jerry Smith Gentry (Katie), his children, Huldah Becton (Rodney), Jackson Gentry (Lindsai), and Lorimer Gentry, his sister, Nancy Gentry Mannon (George), and his grandchildren, who brought him so much joy, Gentri Wiggins (Cam), Gabi Becton, Charles Jackson Gentry III, and Elle Gentry; a great granddaughter, Bonnie Lee Wiggins, and several nieces and nephews, brothers in law, Ben Johnson (Helen) and Mike Johnson and a sister in law Sidney Johnson Dunn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Oscar Alan Gentry III.

The family would like to give Thanks to the staff of Screven County First Responders, Optim Medical's swing bed, Ogeechee Area Hospice, and Judy Brinson.

Visitation will be on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 1:00-2:30 in the Social Hall of Sylvania First Methodist Church. Following the visitation, there will be a private service for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of their choice.