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It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Franklin Gentry announce his passing on June 5, 2024.

Frank was born on March 17, 1924 to Noah and Farrie Hicks Gentry. He was a lifetime resident of Carter County and recently celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends at his home.

He was a World War II veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Marines at the age of 18, where he served in the Pacific Conflict in Guam, Guadalcanal, Bougainville and Iwo Jima. Frank was truly a member of the Greatest Generation of our time.

Frank returned to Elizabethton from the war where he began work as an electrician. He finished his electrical career at Great Lakes Corporation. He also served on the Elizabethton Electrical Exam Board from 1988 to 1991.  

“Pap” was known to his grandchildren as the greatest wiffle ball pitcher and had the ability to fix any broken toy.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Evelyn Gourley Poland Gentry; his daughter-in-law, Sandra Poland; his sisters, Bessie Baird, Cora Ellen Ensor, Lucille Taylor and Ruby Gentry; and his brother, Ernest “Bud” Gentry.

Those left to cherish his memories are his son, Lewis Daniel “Butch” Poland; his daughter, Sharon Gentry Abernethy (James “Sonny”); his grandchildren, Shane Poland (Hope), Trent Poland, Casey English (Chris), Robert Abernethy, Bryan Abernethy (Tenesha) and Michael Abernethy; his great-grandchildren, Carter Poland, Blake Poland, Gracyn English, Luke Abernethy, Chelsea Hilton (Scott) and Drew Winniger (Sarah); his great-great-grandchildren, Wesley Scott Hilton, Eleanor Mae Hilton and Anderson Trent Hilton; also numerous nieces and nephews.  

Friends and family may pay their respects on Saturday, June 8, between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton.

A celebration graveside service to honor the life of Robert Franklin Gentry will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Pastor Sherrill Nave officiating. Active pallbearers will be Frank’s grandsons. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton at 12:15 p.m. Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. A special thank you to Vic and Judy Deloach and the staff of Ivy Hall Nursing Home for the love and care shown in his final days. Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 is honored to serve the family of Robert Franklin Gentry. Office Phone (423) 542-2232; Obituary Information Line (423) 543-4917.