Lester Willam Anderson Gentry, Sr. age 87, of Maryville, Tennessee passed away peacefully at his home, November 28,2023.

Lester was born at home in Monroe County, TN on June 25th, 1936. He was a loving devoted husband, wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be deeply missed.  He was an avid storyteller with an infectious smile. He loved recounting tales of his youth and of times when life was simpler and slower paced.  Stories of watching his aunts weave on a loom, crossing the Little T on a ferry, cutting wood, curing meat, making lye soap, or watching his father work the land with a horse drawn plow would mesmerize you for hours. His friends and family had the privilege of listening to and learning from his many stories.  His deep faith, heritage, work ethics, and family values defined who he was.

Lester was a member of Friendship Baptist Church who loved the Lord and enjoyed working with the youth program.  He attended and graduated from Lanier High School where he met the love of his life, Mary Nell Dixon.  Lester often said, "I looked up and saw the prettiest, brownest eyes that I have ever seen".  He retired from Greenback Industries after many years of loyal service and hard work.  Lester had a passion for farming that was instilled in him at a young age and continued through adulthood.   For 61 years Lester worked side by side on their farm with his wonderful wife, from planting tobacco, raising a large garden, field crops,  pigs and finally goats.  This same passion for farming, family and heritage was ingrained in his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam L. and Radie Mae Gentry and brother Chester Gentry.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Nell Gentry; son and daughter in law Lester Jr. and Amy Gentry; son and daughter in law Sam and Barbara Gentry; grandchildren, Samantha Bozeman (Mark), Jessica Gentry, and Will Gentry; great grandchildren Radie, Charlotte, and Kylie Bozeman; sister in law Jean Gentry; sister in law Linda Osborne (Donnie).  Several special family members and friends including John Gentry, Robert Kince Rodgers, Janna Gentry, Nathan Gentry, Denise Kirkland, and Doug Dockery.  Step- grandchildren Adam Stephens, Megan Stephens, and Ashley Murphy. Step great grandchildren; Paisley Stephens, Levi Stephens, Kincely Rodgers, Dae'lyn Murphy, TJ Jackson, and A'Miracle Jackson.

Words cannot adequately express our gratitude to Gentiva Hospice Services for providing excellent care and compassion to him and our family in his final days.

Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 PM Friday, December 1, 2023, at Miller Funeral Home Cedar Chapel, Pastor Ben Ward officiating.  Interment will be a private service at Gentry Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday at Miller Funeral Home, Maryville.