Thomas Samuel Gentry

Thomas Samuel Gentry, loving father, joyful and loyal friend, and hardware store manager who served customers with dedication, care, and conviction graced this world with his presence for eight-five years of a full life. On February 6, 2025, Tommy, as he was known to all, died peacefully at home with family around him. To know Tommy was to know a man who was humble, kind, and generous of spirit. In his daily work life, Tommy was dedicated to his job and his craft as an expert in every aspect of hardware and the hardware business. With his first job at Normal Hardware in the early 60s, later, Tommy and Gail made their way to Decatur, Alabama, for an opportunity. Not long after, Doug Meyer at Farmer’s Hardware called Tommy to bring him back to Athens, and he joined Farmer’s Hardware, traveling with Doug to car races in the Southeast. Later in his career, Tommy moved to McDonald’s Hardware in Commerce, running the business for long time State Legislator Bubba McDonald. He was beloved by all of his former employees, colleagues, and employers. Outside of work, Tommy loved to fish with family and friends, play golf, and embarrass his friends, who thought they could get the best of him on the links. Always available with an easy smile and kind words of encouragement, Tommy was a friend to everyone who met him.

As a father, Tommy was among the most patient parents his son and daughters could ask for. He was kind and accepting to a fault, offering gentle correction and guidance rather than a harsh hand. As a grandfather, his grandchildren called him Pop Tom, named by his eldest grandchild Blake, and he was the kind of grandfather that endlessly spoiled his grandchildren. From building Lego sets on the floor with those grandkids to giving them buckets of ice cream when their parents weren’t looking, Tommy adored his grandchildren as much as they adored him.

As a husband, Tommy was loving and caring, blessed with sixty-three years of marriage to Gail Griffeth Gentry. After marrying in February of 1960, Tommy and Gail had three children, Tad, Whitney, and Hilliary in succession. They lived their lives in Athens, Georgia as doting parents and Bulldogs fans, attending home games together for almost their entire lives.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Gail, his children: Thomas (Tad) Gentry-Funk, Whitney Riley, Hilliary Rounds, and his brother, David Gentry. His grandchildren: Blake and Blane Riley, Hadley Grace and Sibley Kate Fountain, and Halle and Riley Gentry-Funk will always remember the moments together, Pop Tom’s sneaky smile, and the joy that he brought to this earth. He is preceded in death by his parents Atene and Fred Gentry, and his brothers Ralph and Bobby. He will be missed by everyone who met him, and rests in peace in the arms of the Lord.

A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held Saturday, March 8, at 11:00 a.m., in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Robert Bohler Jr. officiating.

Bernstein Funeral Home of Athens, assisted by McDonald & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Cumming, are in charge of arrangements.