On this Memorial Day 2025, no veteran is more worthy of appreciative remembrance than RB Gentry. I used to call him every year on this day and thank him for his service to our country. He loved this country so much, and he gave so much to it. RB was patriotism personified. A passionate human being who loved life and loved his Lord. I thank God for the privilege of being his friend.

I met RB in the Marines in 1981.  He was a guy that all that came to know him truly enjoyed his friendship.  A very special person who always made people smile and loved to be with his fellow Marines.  We continued to communicate with each other for many years but we never got to see each other again.  So sad to have lost contact with him but truly grateful to have had him as a friend.  May God Bless him and his family, he will forever be with me and someday we will be together forever.  Rest in Peace my friend forever. 1stSgt Gary Baker, Pollocksville, North Carolina

We loved RB's ability to have fun , great  dancer.  We had such fun memories when  we had such a special friendship circle.  RB and Sylvia, Nancy snd George, Patty snd Cal and  us Bobbie snd Ted.  So happy to have known him!  Will renew friendship in Heaven!  Looking forward to it!

RB and I were friend all thru high school.  His mother Kitty and my mother not only attended church together but were best friends. I vividly remember RB's band in high school named THE PASTELS.  Met my husband of 56 years at one of his bands dances.  Great memories.

Wow. I had no idea. I'm so sorry. I sent RB a message and tried calling him a few times. I just went on line hoping to get another phone number of the real estate office to reach him. RB was a mentor and special friend. I met him at Rally Point that met every Wednesday morning. Neither he nor I missed many meetings. He was a prayer partner and introduced me to the road to Emmaus Ministries offering to sponsor me. We moved back to Winston Salem NC but I stayed in touch with RB. I'm actually signed up for a walk this month to finally take that walk to Emmaus that he wanted me to take. That was what I was trying to reach him about. I'll miss my prayer partner and old friend. 

So sorry to hear about R.B.  We were best of friends in the Marine Corps.  I know he is with our Lord and hope his family is at peace.   

Rev Larry Russell, MGysgt, USMC. , Retired

Left out of the obit was RB's pride in starting the 60 minute men band. He was the drummer and this band was one of the most sought after groups for weddings, banquets and parties for years in the Golden Isles. The group was noted for their harmoneys and beach music. They hit the first note ever at the first Beach Music Festival on Jekyll Island playing alongside the Drifters and Tams.  RB and I would often sit together over a cocktail during a brake when he would talk of how proud he was of his children, his time in the Marines and his love of beach music. Entertaining people was definitely his forte.  A personality as big as life. We will all miss him.
Don Brunelle

We were so sorry to learn of your loss. RB was such a huge part of your lives.  We did not have a lot of contact with him, but enough to know he was a kind, thoughtful, man who loved his family fiercely. A favorite memory is from Lauren’s wedding when he took her elderly great grandmother (my mom) to the floor (wheelchair & all) for a solo dance to the delight of  all the guests.  She loved it!  That’s who he was.  We pray that all the great memories will comfort & bring you peace.  
Semper Fi
Gayle & Jerry Warren
  Jerry,Gayle & family

I grew up with RB in Wyoming County WV.  I have many fond memories of our time.  I will always remember him and miss him.

R.B. was a great man who loved the Lord.  He was a great Marine who loved the Marine Corps.  To me and his Marine Corps Brotherhood he was a great friend who will be missed.  Our monthly luncheons were always special because of the way R.B. kept everyone entertained.  R. B. and I came from the same county in West Virginia. He always referred to  me as his cousin.  Not sure if that is correct, however, I was honored to call R.B. my cousin.  

"Semper Fi" my friend until we  meet again.

RB was a wonderful cousin to me and all of his Cousins. He was the Patriarch Cousin. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing RB, I’m sure loved him. He was always so kind and loving and made you feel so special. 
I think what I will miss most are his kind blue eyes, his fantastic laugh and warm hugs. 
Mostly, I will miss All the great times and his wonderful, hilarious way of telling the best stories.
I think I laughed harder when hearing his stories and adventures then any other time. 
I love you, miss you, but know we will meet in Heaven again someday my amazing cousin RB. 

My wife, Sarah, and I were deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death our dear friend and brother in Christ, RB Gentry.  For most of the fifteen years we lived on St. Simons Island, GA, we would regularly see him, go to church with him, and have him over to our home. When I led the Christian's Businessmen's Luncheon ministry, he cheerfully served on the hospitality committee, and I know that the men who attended the Bible studies he organized and led will miss him greatly. 

RB loved the Lord, and he loved his country. Every Veterans Day I would thank him for his service in Viet Nam. He had a bigger-than-life personality that made people feel special, and he was the best storyteller I ever knew. The stories he told about his escapades boxing a chimpanzee at a county fair and selling dozens of talking fish wall plaques had my wife and me rolling on the floor in laughter. It's hard to imagine not being able to call RB and hear his upbeat voice. Sarah and I will dearly miss him. 
Michael Dowling, Madison, TN

I was very saddened to hear about RB's passing.  He was one of the first people I met when I came to Saint Simons.  He helped in finding my home and showed me around the island.  Took me to watch my first high school football game to watch his grandson play.  He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.  He will be missed.

A personality larger than life with a heart and faith even larger. Years ago I had the pleasure of performing with RB and the Sixty Minute Men. He loved his music and he loved his family, but he truly loved his Lord.  Rest in peace, my friend. My love to Tim, Roy, and their families,

I am so sorry to hear of RB's passing.  He was a good friend.  I remember him from the beginning of the Golden Isles Shag Club and have had lots of fun times with him and the GISC.

OBITUARY

Roy Barton Gentry Jr.

October 23, 1946 – January 4, 2023

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home

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