of Clarksville, AR

October 18, 1943 - October 23, 2016

Paul David Gentry, 73 of Clarksville, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016 in Little Rock. Paul was born October 18, 1943 in Houston, AR to Mr. Howard Jefferson and Arvie Jewell (Bingham) Gentry.

Paul was raised in Coppers Gap, AR., east of Perry, AR.He served in the U.S. Army, and started his military career in Jump School in Fort Benning, GA., and then served in the 8th Infantry Division Airborne, before moving to the 101st Airborne in Fort Campbell, KY. He was deployed to Vietnam for the first time in the 173rd Airborne. After returning he was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. where he was promoted to Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne. He was deployed a second time to Vietnam under the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne, during that time, he was wounded and flown to Walter Reed Medical Center, and shortly after retired from the Army, not before receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. After retirement, he was a Mason, a member of the Clarksville First United Methodist Church, a member of the Purple Hearts, DAV, VFW, American Legion, Eagles, and The Eastern Stars. He enjoyed visiting with everyone at the Senior Citizens Center, drinking coffee and playing bingo. Paul is preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Brenda White; and one grandson, Rusty Talley.

Mr. Gentry is survived by his wife, Norma Jean (Clark) Gentry; four daughters, Teresa Ann Thurmond, Rebecca Grantham, Mary Jean Nordin and husband, and Edwina Miller; three sons, Joseph Allen Gentry and wife, Jerry Miller and wife, and Bo Miller and wife; five brothers, Waynes Gentry, Junior Earl Gentry, Don Gentry and wife, Garland Gentry, and Carl Gentry and wife; four sisters, Vina Lee LaCook, Wanda Kincannon, Darlene Wiles and husband, and Pansy Jones and husband; along with 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many friends.

Visitation will be 4:00 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 27, 2016 at the Clarksville First United Methodist Church, with Rev. David Hanshaw officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, with members of the Masons and Eastern Stars serving as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to American Cancer society, the D.A.V, or Clarksville First United Methodist Church

Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home (479) 754-2201. Online condolences may be left at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clarksville.

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