Kenneth Gilbert Gentry

Kenneth Gilbert Gentry, 82, of Charleston, South Carolina passed away on August 30, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. His funeral service will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017 in J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Ken was born November 17, 1934 in Evansville, Indiana, son of the late Gilbert and Grace Hoke Gentry. He served in the Army and was stationed in France and Germany during the 1950s. Afterwards, he graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Business Administration. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Betty Beal Gentry. In 1965, they moved from Lynchburg, VA to Darlington, SC, where he worked for more than 30 years for Sonoco Products Corporation as a purchasing agent for the Machinery Manufacturing Division. He was a founding member of the Florence Chapter of the National Association of Accountants, serving as President as well as other positions. After his retirement, he enjoyed teaching various Bible studies and Sunday School classes, as well as serving on the Board of Stewards at Central United Methodist Church in Florence, SC.

In 2004, Ken and Betty moved to Charleston, SC to be closer with family. Ken was a devoted Gamecocks fan, but also had a soft spot in his heart for the Charleston Southern University Buccaneers and enjoyed attending games with his good friend, Jack Griffing. But his greatest joy in life was being "Popi" to his grandchildren, Eli and Emma Richberg.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Beal Gentry, his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Scott Richberg, his grandchildren, Eli and Emma Richberg, all of Charleston, his sister, Ruthann Gentry and niece and her husband, Emily and J.R. Oakes, and his great nieces, Sylvie and Lydia Oakes, all of Raleigh, NC. He was predeceased by his daughter, Julia Lillian-Ann Gentry, and his nephew, Larry L. Welch, Jr.


The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to his oncologist, Dr. Yanis Bellil and the wonderful caregivers of Lowcountry Hematology for their care and compassion during his brave fight with kidney cancer. We also are grateful for the wonderful work of Hospice of Charleston, and the caring ladies of Southernland Services, for their love and support.


Memorials may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 413 Geddes Ave., Charleston, SC 29407 or Hospice of Charleston, 4975 LaCross Rd., Suite 200, North Charleston, SC 29406.