SEVERN, NC – Aaron Darius Gentry, 86, of Severn died February 12, 2017 at Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, NC.

He had been preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Stackpole Gentry.

Survivors include his daughters, Katherine “Kathy” Harmon (Al), of Missouri, and Patricia “Pati” Benton (Hugh) of Clyde, NC, his son, William “Billy” Gentry of Alexandria, VA; seven grandchildren, April DeBerry (Chris), Heather Gentry, B.J. McGary, Lauren Gentry, Katie Swank (Matt), DeDe Gentry and Dalton; and his three great great grandchildren, Sarah, LeeAnn and Nicholas.

A native of Lenoir in Caldwell County, NC, he was the son of the late Stacey Gentry and Madell Frimz Gentry and after service in the United States Navy, he began a career as a self employed contractor who enjoyed building, restoring, remodeling, and reviving old things to their useful purpose.  He, especially, enjoyed collecting old caps and repairing old gas pumps to their original usefulness and charm.  He was a simple man who loved his family and, especially, enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren.

A funeral service for Mr. Gentry will be held Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in Galatia Baptist Church with Rev. David Foster presiding.  A visitation with family and friends will follow after the service.

Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion Post 111, Attn: James Barnes, Vice Commander, 1817 Bynum Rd., Seaboard, NC 27876.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.bridgersfuneralhome.com.