of Little Rock, AR

December 22, 1930 - January 9, 2023

Roy L Gentry, Jr., 92, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on January 9, 2023 at his home.

Roy was born in Little Rock December 22, 1930, to Roy L and Daisy Gentry. Roy was a 1948 graduate of Little Rock's Central High School where he excelled in swimming and held several state swimming records. After graduation, Roy attended Little Rock Junior College where he continued his swimming career before transferring to Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway. It was at this time the Korean War broke out and Roy enlisted in the USAF.

Roy entered the Officer Candidate School and then became a Tactical Fighter Pilot accumulating thousands of hours in several aircraft including the F-86 and F-100. He was then assigned to Etain, France. While stationed in Etain as part of the NATO mission, he was with the 388th Fighter Bomber Group. His squadron was designated as Couriers for DOD Nuclear Weapons Components delivered from their F-100s. Also, while at Etain, he met and married the love of his life, First Lieutenant Pearl J Ignaszewski, a registered nurse assigned to the 388th TAC Hospital. When this assignment was completed, he transitioned back to the United States where he served as a Tactical Instructional Pilot.

Roy then attended the University of Texas A&M earning a Mechanical Engineering Degree with honors (Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi). He was then assigned to the Space and Missile Branch where he was directly involved with the development and readiness of the Titan II and Minuteman ICBM weapons systems. It was during this time that Roy was identified by the USAF as a candidate for a position as an Astronaut Trainee to NASA and the Air Forces Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) Program. When this program was suspended by President Johnson due to the Vietnam War, Roy asked for a Vietnam assignment.

Roy was then assigned to the 460th TAC RECON Wing as a Detachment Commander of a complement of EC-47 Electronical Reconnaissance Aircraft. While stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base and Hue Phu Bai Air Base, Vietnam, he flew over 185 combat missions. During his tour of duty in Vietnam, Roy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal w/8 oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

After Vietnam, Roy went on to further his studies obtaining his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. He then attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington DC before entering the upper echelon of military command. Throughout Roy's distinguished career, he was awarded many more service medals including the Legion of Merit. Roy retired a Colonel from the United States Air Force as Deputy Director to the Inspector General with over 28 years of service.

Roy returned home to Little Rock where he started his second career (Gentry & Associates) in the field of engineering. He was appointed, by then Governor Bill Clinton, to lead a team tasked with the reaccreditation of the Engineering School at the University of Arkansas. He also oversaw the destruction of the Vertac site in Jacksonville, Arkansas, known as one of the nation's worst hazardous waste sites, a former ordnance plant.

In retirement, Roy continued his love of flying. As a lifelong fan, the Arkansas Razorbacks were a huge part of Roy's life where he loved attending games, calling the Hogs, and tailgating with his wife, children, and friends. He loved fishing and duck hunting with his brother, his sons and hunting buddies at "The Cold House" and "The Shack". Roy was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 65 years, Pearl Josephine Gentry. He is survived by his daughter, Gail Reddin (Tom), sons, Trip Gentry (Debbie), Scott Gentry (Lisa), Kevin Gentry (Jenifer), seven grandchildren, Katherine (Nick), Chris, Aaron, Tanner, Faith, Braden, and Tori.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Souls Catholic Church at 1:00 pm. January 23rd. Roy's internment will be held at the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery at a future date.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and love to Val, Kim, and Kay for their love and care of their father.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com