Michael Anthony Gentry, Sr., 64, of Gates, NC passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2009 in the Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer and proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy. He was a disabled American Veteran and a Vietnam Veteran.

He is survived by his loving family including his wife of 49 years, Rita Sue Gentry; his mother, Margaret Elder Williamson, his children, Michael Anthony Gentry, Jr. and wife Ellen, Diane Gentry Askew and James Dean Gentry and girlfriend, Debbie; his grandson, James Nickalus Gentry and girlfriend, Crystal and his sisters and brothers, Marion Gentry, Janice Wroten and David Gentry. His family and friends loved him very much and he will be deeply missed. Michael was a loving father and a good husband, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend.

A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milner's Road, Suffolk with the Navy Chaplain officiating. Friends may join the family for a visitation on Thursday prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk and other times at the residence. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com