Theodore J. Gentry

Theodore J. "Ted" Gentry, gunnery sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), 58, of Havelock and Cherry Point, died April 15, 2008, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville.

He shared his life with wife René Riggs Gentry; four sons, James Gentry of Greenville, Steven Gentry of Newport, Ryan Gentry of Camp Liberty, Iraq, and Casey Gentry of Havelock; a daughter, Vanessa Gentry of St. Petersburg, Fla; a granddaughter Rayne Nevaeh Gentry of Havelock; a brother, J. Timothy Keane of Clayton, Mo.; and a sister, Susan VanMeter of Parker, Colo.

Shortly following Marine Corps retirement, he added a Masters of Business Administration to his Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Systems Management, becoming a professor and earning the respect and admiration of countless students. He incorporated his love of teaching into all he endeavored, whether substitute teaching at area schools, coaching middle school and recreational youth soccer or educating young families thoughout the homebuying process.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2008, at Memorial Chapel aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to an education trust being established: Ted Gentry Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Fellowship for Christ, 111 Realini Drive, Havelock, NC 28532.

Donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Industrial Drive, Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27609, are also deeply appreciated.

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory, New Bern.