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.
Sign Guestbook
16 Condolence(s)
Susan Boe
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
The Boe girls are so sorry for your loss. We lost my Daddy last year and have found comfort in a lifetime of happy memories. It's also comforting to know our children knew their grandfather and will carry his memory forward into many generations. Lots of love. Susan, Vivian and ElaineRuth
Chuck Zeitner
Monday, January 23, 2023
Roy was my best friend and I will miss him. We met in early 1955 in Germany as young fighter pilots in our twenties and remained close into our nineties having built a lifetime of memories. Our families grew up together even though we were frequently separated by the demands of military service. We shared flying as a profession, outdoor activities as essential and family as a foundation to it all! In his honor and with great respect, I will throw a nickel on the grass….And yes, Roy was my best friend and I will miss him!
Ann Rogers
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Scott, Lisa & family, Brandon and I just heard about your loss. What an amazing life your daddy leaved. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ginger and Mark Daril
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Scott, Lisa and family -
We were so sorry to learn of Mr. Gentry's passing. What an incredible man he was, and what an incredible and notable life he lived - every day! We wish we could have met him to hear even a few of the stories from his experiences. What a blessing to have the kids continue to be so close to him!
Know that you have scores of friends praying for your entire family. May God give you strength, comfort and His peace that passes all understanding.
Much love to you, friends....
Ginger and Mark Daril
Charlotte (George) Moore
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Sincere condolences to the entire Gentry family. You do not know me, but I worked at Riddick Engineering Corporation with Roy during his time there in the 1980's. It was a privilege and honor to have known him during those years. A very knowledgeable and respected man. So sorry for your loss.
--Charlotte George Moore
Dave Hardy
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Rest in Peace and Love Col. Gentry! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family at this difficult time.
Jacque Hill Ptak
Friday, January 13, 2023
I have such great memories of Roy and Pearl. I never saw then rattled and we were sometimes rather rattling. I'll remember their sweet smiles as they sit back and watched us have fun.
Love and prayers to the Gentry Clan.
Mary Laughlin Fenton
Friday, January 13, 2023
So sorry for your loss of Rl. He was a great example of a patriot and good man. I’m sure he is happy to be back with Pearl leaving his legacy of a fine family.
Naoma McCartney
Friday, January 13, 2023
How we have missed Pearl and now Roy, our dear neighbors of 23 years. After a few years living next door we started calling them the “perfect “ neighbors. Looking out for each other, helping each other, cooking for each other - Roy loved his vegetables & cornbread, sharing stories of life, hearing their love story & also their times of irritation with each other - LOL! Roy’s flight stories & stories of the kids. We’ve laughed a lot through the years. Also prayed together. Though we hurt right now, we are thankful for both their love for Christ Jesus. And for the dear memories we’ve made together.
Anthony and Linda Fisher
Friday, January 13, 2023
Living the life of a free man
David & Julie ignaszewski
Friday, January 13, 2023
To the family, we pray God gives you peace and His perspective in this interval. Roy and Pearl are missed and still loved by our family. It feels strange that so many of our parent have passed this last year. Our one hope is in Christ and the knowledge that we WILL be reunited. Again, peace and have joy in the knowledge he is home.
Willam Winchell
Friday, January 13, 2023
Uncle RL, Aunt Pearl you both will be missed we love you.
Frankie Butler
Friday, January 13, 2023
A privilege to know
Tracey and Michelle Jones
Friday, January 13, 2023
Scott and Family,
Tracey and I are so sadden by the loss of Roy. He lead an amazing life and what a wonderful legacy he leaves behind. He is reunited with your mom and celebrating with Jesus.
Barbara Miller
Friday, January 13, 2023
I was so honored to have visited with Aunt Pearl and Uncle Roy last year. I love and miss them both.
Violet Langford
Friday, January 13, 2023
I will miss him so much. I know he’s back with the love â¤ï¸ of his life Ms Pearl. I love â¤ï¸ their love â¤ï¸ when one was sick the other one wanted you take care of the other first. It was like still having my parents here. My life is better from knowing and loving them. It hurts them being gone, but at least they’re not suffering anymore. Their family will always be my family love â¤ï¸ them too. See you again and we’ll get the group back together in heaven.