Stanley Bryson Gentle

Stanley Bryson Gentle was born into this world on August 1, 1943, to Robert Stanley Gentle and Elsie Harris Gentle, in Lewisburg, Tennessee. He died on February 27, 2022 at his home of 40 years in Louisville, Kentucky, knowing that he had lived life to the fullest and was blessed beyond measure.

He always said that his greatest blessing was the love of his life, his wife of 47 years, Lelia (Hadley), who survives him. His pride and joy were his three beloved children: Jennifer (Robert Connor) of New York, New York Sarah Green (Jason) of Panama City, Florida, and Daniel (Anne-marie) of Asheville, North Carolina. He was also blessed with five beautiful grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sister and only sibling, Lavada Gentle Cline.

Throughout his storied career, Stan had a unique gift for quickly changing course when opportunity knocked. Although deep in his heart lived the desire to be a cowboy, that dream would have to wait. Instead, he graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, before earning a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1978. He began his career as a pastor at Friendship Baptist Church in Oakland, Kentucky, and later served as Associate Rector at Calvary Episcopal Church in Louisville. His path then took an unexpected turn with the founding of St. Matthews Seafood Co. and Stan’s Fish Sandwich Restaurant, both award-winning businesses which served the community for nearly thirty years -- thanks to a loyal following and much hard work.

In his final career move, Stan edged closer to his cowboy dream when he established DreamCatcher Farm where he continued to produce excellent products and enjoyed bantering with weekly customers at the Bardstown Road Farmers Market for over a decade. In all of his endeavors, he possessed an unwavering commitment to high quality and a passion for serving his customers well, many of whom became lifelong friends.

The Gentle family invites you to attend a memorial service for Stan on Saturday, March 12, at 2:00 p.m. at Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The church kindly requests wearing a mask while attending the service. Weather permitting, a visitation will follow on the church’s Birchwood Avenue lawn. The service may be attended virtually on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHBCKY or viewed later on the Crescent Hill YouTube page at Crescent Hill Baptist Church-Louisville, KY.

Stan packed a lot of living into 78 years and his exuberant personality made him truly unforgettable. Most people who knew him well have a story to share that brings smiles and laughter when told.

But for now, Stan, your family and friends want to say one more thanks to you for all the wonderful times, great food, and special memories. You enriched our lives more than you know and we are so glad to have shared life with you.

And to your cowboy heart, we say, “Happy Trails…until we meet again!”