Charles "Chuck" Gentry

Born on July 19, 1936, in Austin, Texas, to Henry and Maurine Gentry, Charles lived a long, purposeful life defined by an unwavering faith in God, deep devotion to his family, and a legendary love for sports.

Charles’s early life was marked by service, education, and the beginning of his greatest love story. He began working for Trinity Engineering Testing Corp (TETCO) in 1955. In 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and on July 12, 1958—during a short two-week leave after completing boot camp—he married his beloved wife, Judy. Following his military service, he went on to graduate from Abilene Christian College in 1963.

Charles dedicated 26 years to TETCO before charting a new entrepreneurial path. In 1980, he and Judy purchased Good Books Educational Supply. In 1981, Charles left TETCO to work alongside Judy at the bookstore full-time. Together, they poured their hearts into serving their community through the store for 25 years until their retirement in 2005.

A dedicated servant of the Lord, Charles lived out the Great Commission in both his local community and around the globe. For many years, he served faithfully as a deacon at Westover Hills Church of Christ in Austin. He was deeply committed to spreading the Gospel through his meaningful work with the World Bible School ministry. Closer to home, he and Judy opened their hearts and doors to host a Life Group, which he passionately led for many years, fostering a tight-knit community of deep faith and lifelong fellowship. Following their retirement, he and Judy followed their heart for local service by volunteering faithfully in Westover’s food pantry ministry every week for over 15 years.

Charles was also a passionate sports enthusiast. Whether it was football season, baseball season, or a PGA golf tournament, he found joy in every game. He was a fiercely proud, lifelong supporter of the Texas Longhorns. He rarely missed a moment of Texas Longhorn football, baseball, softball, or volleyball, proudly bleeding burnt orange through every season. He was happiest with a game on the screen and Judy by his side. His enthusiasm for his teams was infectious, and his family will always cherish memories of his incredible ability to recall and recite wins and specific plays from many years ago.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Judy Gentry; his children, Terri Gipson (Donnie), Rhonda Lawrence, and Greg Gentry (Nancy); his brother, Jerry Gentry (Glynda); and his sister, Sharon Holland (Billy).

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lindsey Page (Brady), Tyler Gipson (Carley), Britni Luther (Blake), Brandon Lawrence (Kaylin), Garrett Gentry, and Nicole Gentry; and his eight precious great-grandchildren, Pressley Page, Paycen Page, Wyatt Gipson, Zoey Gipson, Parker Luther, Cannon Luther, Walker Lawrence, and Weston Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Maurine Gentry.

A celebration of life and faith will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:00am at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills, located at 9700 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX.