James Delmer Jim Gentry, Sr. Obituary (1934 - 2020)

James "Jim" Delmer Gentry, Sr. departed this earthly life in Stokesdale, North Carolina, at his home on April 17th, 2020 at the age of 85. A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday April 21st at Palestine United Methodist Church. He will lie in state from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home. There will be a celebration of life to follow at a later date. Delmer was born on December 8th, 1934 to the late James Franklin Gentry and Lorene Tucker Gentry in Winston-Salem, NC. Delmer is predeceased by his parents, James and Lorene Gentry, sisters, Lillian Cromer and Vallie Whitt, brothers, Wayne Gentry, Darris Gentry, Rocky Gentry, Bill Shreves, Bill Hand and Gordon Tucker, daughter, Lynn Gentry Tilley, grandson, Derick Sheppard, great grandson Jordan Sheppard, and a special nephew Grant Gentry. Delmer is survived by his wife Donola Barnes Gentry of forty-one years, sons James D. Gentry, Jr. of Charlotte, NC, and Keith Barnes of Madison, NC, daughters Robbin Martin of Stokesdale, NC and Mary "Annie" Brewer (Rob) of Kernersville, NC, ten grandchildren, twenty three great grandchildren and many loved nieces, nephews and sister-in-laws. In his lifetime he worked for the following companies and lines of work: Almar Hosiery, Deep Springs Country Club, Flynt Heating and Air, George Kane Construction, Joydon, Mac Field, Merritt Trucking, OBoyle Tank Lines, school bus driver, Sears, Signal Trucking, and S&W. Out of all of the many jobs he held, driving a truck was his favorite. He longed to drive a truck many years after he was unable to. If you went anywhere in a vehicle with him, he could tell you all sorts of directions and especially many stories of his truck driving years. He also worked for the Rockingham County Board of Elections and received a certificate of appreciation for seven years of dedicated service. In addition, Delmer served in the United States Navy until he received an honorable medical discharge. He was a member of the Dan River Coon Club, the Ruitans, the Moose Lodge of Beckley, West Virginia, and a volunteer fireman for the Stokes-Rockingham Fire & Rescue. He loved to sing and several years ago he was an active member of the choir at Palestine UMC, where he was also a member. Fishing, rabbit hunting with a special nephew Donald Tate, cooking, having stews, playing cards, going to the coast, and gardening were a few of his many hobbies and interests. He especially loved his farming and had several chickens, goats, guineas and a beloved mule, Jim, who he loved to ride. He and his mule were known as The Two Gems by several local establishments and many community members due to a well-known painting done by local artist, Tom Butler. The painting depicted him wearing his bib overalls in the middle of a tobacco field with his mule. In fact, there was never a day you would catch him without his bibs on. Delmer had a sense of humor and if all of his jokes and witty sayings were written down, an entire book could be made. He never met a stranger and was adamant about keeping in touch with his family and friends. Every year he looked forward to the Hand Reunion at Backbone Rock in Damascus, Tennessee. Delmer was known to stay busy, whether he was socializing and playing cards at Rockys Grocery or even working there at the age of 84. He was a great presence in the lives of many people and will be sorely missed. Memorials can be made to the Palestine United Methodist Church, the American Heart Society, or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be made at www.colonialfh.net. Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family.