Saluda, SC

W.M. Gentry, Jr.

Wesley Matthew "W.M." Gentry, Jr. passed away October 21, 2023, at his home.

Born April 8, 1928, in Saluda County to the late Wesley Matthew Gentry, Sr. and Hammie Rodgers Gentry. He was the husband of Jo Ann "Jody" Dempsey Mitchell Gentry and was first married to the late Trannye Lou Trotter Gentry. He was the founder, owner, and operator of Gentry's Poultry for 66 years and was a member of Saluda Baptist Church. Mr. Gentry always found a way to give back to his community, W.M., his family and Gentry's Poultry Company presented the clock on the Saluda County Courthouse grounds to the citizens of the town and county. The Saluda Nursing home was near to his heart, through the annual contributions, improvements have been made to the older sections of the facility including a family room had been donated in memory of Trannye Trotter Gentry, the room is there to encourage and strengthen family relationships while enhancing the quality of life for the residents.

W.M. held active memberships in the Ancient Free Masons Travis Lodge #241, Gamecock Club of 55 years, and Saluda Investment Club. His love for Carolina football earned him the Legendary Fan of the Game Award in 2010. He believed in helping others as much as possible therefore, other organizations have benefited from his generosity such as, Palmetto Girls Sate, Ridge Spring Harvest Festival, Saluda Relay for Life, SC Poultry Festival, and Saluda Farm-City Events. Honors have been given to him such as the Palmetto Patriot Award and Saluda Farm City Week 2008 Citizen of the Year Award. His family hosted the Larry Gentry Memorial Golf Tournament, in memory of his son who sadly passed away at 46 of a major heart attack. This tournament raises money for a memorial scholarship that was given to one student from Saluda High School who would attend college in South Carolina every year.

Surviving are his wife, Jo Ann "Jody" Gentry of Saluda, a son, Wesley Matthew Gentry, III, (Anita Rice) of Lexington, two step daughters, Holly Mitchell (Charles Mann) and Merri Grayson Mitchell both of Irmo, a daughter in law, Barbara C. Gentry of Saluda, a sister, Beatrice Ross of Leesville, four grandchildren, Stephanie Gentry of Saluda, Matthew "Matt" Gentry (Jennifer) of Saluda, Ryan Gentry (Melissa) of Columbia, Russell Gentry (Stephanie) of Atlanta, three step grandchildren, Walker Lang, Kyligh Lang, and Gabriel Mann all of Irmo and six great-grandchildren, Cade Gentry, Abby Gentry, Ella Gentry, Grant Gentry all of Saluda, and Logan Gentry, Taylor Gentry both of Columbia.

W.M. is preceded in death by a son, Larry E. Gentry, three brothers, RL Gillion, Carl Gentry, Curtis Gentry, and a sister, Grace Harmon.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Saluda Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff McCarthey officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saluda Baptist Church, 112 West Wheeler Circle, Saluda, SC 29138 or to the charity of one's choice.