William Franklin “Brother Bill” Gentry
William Franklin “Brother Bill” Gentry was born July 27, 1932 in Roff, Oklahoma to Charles Alfred and Lois Velma Gentry. Bill ended his earthly ministry and met his Savior on January 20, 2021.
Bill is survived by his wife Sandra Gentry, and their three sons: Scott Gentry and wife Brenda; Chris Gentry and wife Leandra; and David Gentry and wife LeAnn. Bill is also survived by six grandchildren: Collin Gentry; Elizabeth Duren and husband Ross; Evan Gentry; Garrett Gentry; Hannah Gentry and Chas Gentry; and one great granddaughter, Gentry Duren expected in April.
Also surviving is his sister Bobbie Thorin and husband John and a brother-in-law Ronnie Porter.
Bill graduated high school from Byng, Oklahoma and obtained a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Education from East Central University. He taught two years in Carlsbad, New Mexico before joining the Navy in 1955. He proudly served his country on the aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard and after completing his military service began teaching and coaching in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he met and married Sandra Lee Watts on June 5, 1959. Bill and Sandra were happily married for over 61 years.
Bill held several teaching, coaching and administrative positions in the Tulsa public school system before surrendering to God’s call to be a pastor. In 1963 he moved his young family to Fort Worth, Texas and obtained a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Bill pastored churches in Byng, Hastings, Roosevelt, Lindsay and Newcastle, Oklahoma before retiring in 2002.
Brother Bill was happiest when he was serving God as a pastor. When Bill surrendered to the ministry, he surrendered 100%. Over the life of his service he preached thousands of sermons and performed hundreds of weddings and funerals. Bill preached many revivals and he and Sandra went on several mission trips to Russia, Mexico and Peru.
Bill was not only a pastor, but he had other interests. He was involved in his community whether he was coaching little league, serving on the PTA or the Quarterback club. He was a voracious reader and had an extensive library. He loved sports and was an outstanding baseball and basketball player. He was a lifetime jogger and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Bill Gentry loved God and His Word. He loved his family. He loved people and he was concerned about their relationship with Jesus Christ. Brother Bill will be greatly missed.
Funeral Services were Monday, January 25, 2021 at First Baptist Church Newcastle, OK. Burial followed at Newcastle Memorial Gardens, Newcastle, OK. You may send online condolences to the family @ www.wilsonlittle.com. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home, Newcastle, OK.