Biography: Sherrill Andrew “Andy” Gentry left this life on earth Sunday, July 31, 2022, after a 3-year fight with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and best friend Trish and their son Augie and future daughter in law Alex. Andy was born October 4,1957 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Tom and Mary Gentry.
He was a 1977 graduate of Catholic High School for Boys and attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Andy worked for the Arkansas Public Defender Commission for 24 years as the Network Administrator until his retirement in December of 2021.
Andy was a man that brought laughter and joy to anyone who wanted it. He was an entertainer to the ones he cherished. He would make sure that the people around him never frowned and never regretted his company. He loved the atmosphere of a warm gathering and could keep the party going as long as anyone wanted. He would play guitar, quote movies, crack jokes, and so much more; all to make sure everyone was having a good time; seeing our happiness made him happy. Our joy was his, and he loved every minute of it.
He would soon meet someone whom he loved very much, and later marry in 1984, his beloved wife, Trish. They never stopped loving each other after 37 years of marriage, but their love stretched far beyond that. “I’ve found my person” he would say. “And I’m very lucky to have someone like her in my life.” They would soon have a son, Augie Gentry, in 1996. There his priorities were set. He would dedicate his entire life to his faith and his family. He taught his son the value of true friendship, honesty, determination, loyalty, and integrity. “I’m proud of my son. He’s grown up to be a fine young man. I trust him with all my heart and love him with all my heart.” Andy was the life of the party, that much is true, but Andy was also a man of great honor and respect. He worked hard for his wife, his child, and even his mother Mary and mother-in-law Rosie until their peaceful passing.
Andy also had a strong love for Disney. Disney was a magical place where he and his family would go and forget the troubles of today. He taught his family the importance of never truly growing up and to keep a curiosity and child-like-wonder of the world. His inner child never seemed to leave. It felt more as if it grew stronger over the years. He had everything he wanted, but more importantly, he had people to share it with.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Mary Gentry; brother Richard M. “Dickie” Gentry; sister Julia Gentry Harrison; his in-laws Joe and Rosie Bartsch. Andy is survived by the love of his life, Tricia Gentry, son Augie Gentry and his fiancé, Alexandra Vindiola; sister, Marsha (Keith) Weinstein of Boston, MA; Virginia Gentry Hanson, Little Rock, AR; brother, Bill Gentry; sister in law Debbie (Don) Jones of Little Rock, AR; Jean (Clint) Davis of Fernandina Beach, FL; brothers in law, Tom (Jennifer) Bartsch, Cabot, AR; Paul (Gwen) Bartsch, Mexia, TX; John (Erin) Bartsch, Cincinnati, OH. Numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
We shall miss his company greatly, his laughter, his music, and his comfort. We shall honor him through our laughter, our music, and our comfort to one another. For when we all meet him again, there will be no more sadness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic High School for boys or UAMS Cancer research.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022, with a visitation before from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com