Hardy Jr. Gentry, age 73, passed away on July 4th, 2019, at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born on June 11, 1946, to Hardy and Magdalene Gentry. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He was the owner and retired from Gentry Amusements.
Hardy was a huge supporter of his community and veterans in particular. In his lifetime he received the titles of Duke of Paducah and Kentucky Colonel. He was named Distinguished Veteran of the Year 2014 also held many offices at the American Legion including Post 31 Commander for numerous years. As Kentucky State Baseball Commissioner (aka The Comish and aka Mr. Baseball) he contributed to helping numerous young men further their baseball careers with college scholarships. Hardy loved his country, adored his family and cherished his friends.
He is survived by his wife, Stella Dixon Gentry; children and step-children, Melinda English, Charles (Lesa) Crouch, Trina Gentry, Ronnie (Rita) Gentry, Shannon Ginger, Heather Finke, Micole (Marty) Johnson, Mike Moffett, Joe (Andrea) Moffett; two sisters, Glenda Jo Gentry, Darnell (John) Yohn; grandchildren, Dusty, Morgan, Toree, Chris, Whitney, Ashton, Cody, Taylor, Alex, Madison, Travis, Thomas, Dawson, Mason, Hailee, Gabe, Logan, Cooper, Gracie, Jacob, McKenzie, Colton, Gaigelyn, Austin, Aiden, Alexis, Connor, Keagan and numerous great-grandchildren.
Hardy was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Linda Miller Gentry; infant sister, Pearl Elizabeth Gentry; and one son, John Kevin Gentry.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019 from 6 pm to 9 pm with funeral services at 11 am on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah with Jerry Reynolds and Bill Talley officiating. Burial will follow the service with full military honors at Robertson Cemetery in Ledbetter.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: American Legion Post 31, P.O. Box 3377, Paducah, KY 42002.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle online at www.hughesfuneral.com.
Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.