CLICK HERE TO VIEW LIVE STREAM OF SERVICE

The family of James Edwin "Jimmy" Gentry sadly announces his death on September 14, 2021. Jimmy was born in Huntsville, Alabama, and except for brief periods lived here all his life.

Jimmy was born with an extraordinary musical gift which he used and shared with others all his life. In the 1960s, he and several others started the rock and roll garage band era in Huntsville. They were well known around town and even toured with the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars. The band still gets together in Huntsville to host the Rock and Roll Reunion and the bands and audience feel just like it was when we were young.
The Precious Few released several songs in Nashville that were great. So many musicians in Huntsville were influenced by and loved the Continentals, the Chasers, the Tiks, and the Precious Few in which Jimmy was a huge part.

Jimmy's musical talents extended to church and gospel music. He led and performed in a gospel music group called the Gospelizers. And for over forty years he was the minister of music in three churches where he led the choir and special groups, played guitar in the band, and led congregational singing. While doing all of this, he encouraged others to participate in the choir and to sing solos. He touched many lives through his music and teaching.

Jimmy loved to fish and play golf and was an avid Alabama football fan. There was a time when he also raised and showed his award-winning basset hounds. He was also a fan of Little League World Series and Women's College World Series.

Jimmy had many friends. He was always seen with a smile. He was a photographer and loved to take pictures of kids in their sporting events. He was happiest when he was around people, doing things to make them smile.

Above all this, Jimmy loved his family. He spent lots of hours at the baseball field in the summer when his children were young. They all achieved a black belt in Taekwondo. Later it was his joy to enjoy his grandchildren's activities.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents Florence and Jim Tom Gentry. He is survived by his son Matthew Gentry and his wife Kristi, his son Jeff Gentry, his daughter Deanne Newby and her husband Josh, his daughter Staci Ecenbarger and her husband Scott; grandchildren Alyssa Gentry, Tucker Gentry, Aidan Newby, Sarah Ecenbarger, Gabe Ecenbarger, Maggie Gentry, Mary Clay Gentry, and Meridith Gentry; a brother Jerry Gentry and his wife Dee, and two sisters Flo Gentry and her husband Patt, and Edna Gentry and her husband Eddie; church family members, music family members, and too many friends to count.

Visitation will be on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at 2:00 pm Berryhill Funeral Home with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM.