Kenneth Allan Gentry

Kenneth Allan Gentry, 61 of Friendsville, went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2020. He was born at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on July 27, 1959. He died due to complications with COVID-19. He was a hero, extremely generous, an incredibly honest person, but above all a Christian. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Barbara Gentry.

Ken is survived by his wife of 26 years, Nancy Gentry; stepmother, Lynn Gentry; sons, Grant Gentry (Jessica), Eric Gentry (Joseline); daughter, Grace Gentry; sister, Kim Edwards; grandchildren, Angel, Erica, and Aiden; and several beloved nieces and nephews. Ken graduated from Alcoa High School in 1977, where he received the nickname, “Rhino” from the football team. Ken went on to play football and baseball at Mars Hill College. Ken later served in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division as a Food Service Specialist from 1983 to 1989. After the Army, Ken was a manager at a restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama before moving back home to Tennessee when he started with Bel-Air Grill. He later opened his own restaurant, Gracie’s, in 2004. Ken was able to reach many people through fundraisers at Gracie’s and participated in various ministries within the community. Oftentimes, he would open Gracie’s for a few hours on Christmas to provide food to those in need. The Give Back Meal at Gracie’s was very important to him because he did not want anyone to go hungry. He loved helping everyone in any way he could. Even though he worked long hours at Gracie’s, he made a point to be at each of Grant’s ballgames and Grace’s dance recitals. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and had a goal to ride in every state. He got to 49 of them (and Canada), but did not make it to Hawaii. Ken also liked to play cornhole and was very good at it. He played in tournaments, hosted tournaments at his house, and even made cornhole boards. He was a great husband and father and someone we all looked up to. Ken was a devout Christian and was a member of Beech Grove Baptist Church.

A receiving of friends is scheduled at Beech Grove Baptist Church on Friday, January 8th, at 6:00 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ken’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to United Way of Blount County, 1615 E Broadway Ave. Maryville, TN 37804.