Rev. Foster Dean Gentry Sr.

Born on August 29, 1935, in Pickens, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Rosalie Howard Gentry and Thomas Herbert Gentry.

In 1954, Rev. Gentry graduated from Easley High School, where he was a member of the school band and played the cornet.

Rev. Gentry was a lifelong servant of God and a devoted leader in the Wesleyan Church. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Central Wesleyan College now Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina, where he deepened his commitment to ministry and spiritual service.

Over the course of his distinguished pastoral career, he faithfully served several congregations across South Carolina. His ministry included five years at Welcome Wesleyan Church in Seneca, six years at Easley First Wesleyan, 15 years at Carlisle Wesleyan in Spartanburg, six years back at Welcome Wesleyan for a second time, and 15 years at Pickens View Wesleyan Church. Rev. Gentry was known not only for his powerful preaching but also for his deep compassion, steady leadership, and unwavering faith.

He also held several offices in the South Carolina District of the Wesleyan Church, where he contributed to the growth and guidance of the denomination in the region.

In addition to his ministry, Rev. Gentry was an active member of the Rotary Club in Pickens, where he participated in community service and built lifelong friendships.

Rev. Gentry's life was marked by his love for people, his dedication to family, and his unshakeable devotion to Christ.

Rev. Gentry is survived by his two sons Dean Gentry (Rev. Deana Gentry) and Steven Gentry; his special friend Barbara Bagwell; and his former daughter in law Cathy DeJong Gentry; his grandchildren Ross Gentry, Gabriella Gentry, and Sam Gentry. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and cousins to cherish his memory.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia Bailey Gentry; his siblings Howard Gentry, Frank Gentry, David Gentry, infant brother Jack, Helen Shirley Corn, and Sara Beth McQueen.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, South Carolina.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Pickens View Wesleyan Church, 744 Bethlehem Ridge Rd, Pickens, SC, with a viewing beginning at 2:00 pm. A committal service will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2410 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens, SC.

Flowers are accepted or Contributions in Rev. Gentry's memory may be made to Foster Gentry Memorial SWU Gentry Scholarship Fund, or Pickens View Wesleyan Church Building Fund.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.