Johnny Lee Gentry

Johnny Lee Gentry of Odessa, TX passed away on Saturday January 13, 2018 at ORMC hospital. He was born March 12, 1949 in Abilene, TX. He was the fourth child born to Willie and Lillie Gentry. He was baptized at an early age. His parents were always in the church and his father later became a minister. Johnny had no choice in attending church which he loved. Johnny attended grade school in Abilene, TX before his family moved to Odessa, TX. He graduated from Ector High School in 1967. After graduating from Ector High School, he attended Odessa College for one semester. Johnny received scholarships from many colleges. He was an outstanding track star, with records held for decades and a few that still stand today. Johnny chose to join the United States Navy, where he trained as an OR technician. He received many awards and certificates in his field. He traveled around the world and ended his career in San Diego, CA. After retiring from the navy he moved back to Odessa, TX to be closer to his parents. In Odessa, Johnny helped set up Dr. Sylvan Bartlett's plastic surgery clinic. He worked as his assistant for years. After leaving he worked for Medical Center Hospital as an OR technician. Later he worked with the doctors Phillip Zeeck and Richard Duke: Orthopedic Clinic. After leaving the clinic with Dr. Richard Duke, to work at Boss as his surgical assistant were he later retired. Johnny had many talents in his field and trained many under his wings. Johnny had a kind heart, and everyone he touched seemed to have a great impression of his kindness. Johnny cared for others more than himself. Johnny loved watching football, track and westerns. In his early years he played volleyball for Medical Center Hospital. Johnny was married to Ruby Terry Christian, and two children were born, daughter Antoinette Gentry and Shun Gentry. He later married Suzan McCullum-Gentry and one child was born La-Tasha Gentry. Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and two brothers Roy and Lester Gentry and Son Shun Gentry. He leaves to cherish his memories; his daughters Antoinette Gentry-Stewart and son in law Howard Steward Sr. both of Winterville, GA and La-Tasha Gentry of Odessa, TX. brothers; Robert Gentry of DeSoto, TX, Charles Gentry of Dallas, TX, Larry and wife Debbie of Katy, TX, Ronnie Gentry of Odessa, TX, and his beloved sister Loetta Gentry of Odessa, TX, Sister in laws; Laura Gentry of Houston, TX, and Jackie Gentry of Killeen, TX, Grandchildren Porschia, Howard, and Antoine Stewart, Great- grandchildren Kailyn, Heyden, Harper, Elijah and Ares. As well as a host of relatives and friends who love and miss him. Visitation will be held 6 pm to 8 pm Friday, January 19, 2018 at the Odessa Funeral Home Chapel, 1700 N Jackson Ave, Odessa, TX. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 10am at the St Matthew Baptist Church, 809 Barrett Dr., Odessa, TX with Rev Christopher Redden officiating. Interment Ector County Cemetery Monday January 22, 2018 at 1pm.

Arrangements are by Odessa Funeral Home