William Fred Gentry, better known as Freddie, of West Jefferson died on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Margate Health and Rehab Center. He was 53.

Mr. Gentry was born on Aug. 22, 1961 in Jefferson to the late Arnold and Eula Mae Gentry. Mr. Gentry graduated from Beaver Creek High School then attended Catawba Technical Community College earning an associate's degree. He was a member of Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church. Freddie worked as a lineman for Blue Ridge Electric for over 20 years and later worked as an electrician. He was an avid outdoorsman, hiking, hunting, most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

The family would like to thank New River Baptist Church, Sugar Grove Baptist Church, Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church, Mount Paddy Church, Vannoy Construction and the many friends that were a support to them during the illness and loss of Freddie.

Mr. Gentry is survived by one son, William Jacob Gentry of Jefferson; one daughter, Sarah Austin Gentry of Jefferson; his mother, Eula Mae Gentry of Wilkesboro; two sisters, Debbie Eller and husband, Conn, of Abingdon, Va. and Shelia Douglas and husband, Mack, of Piney Creek; and one nephew, Travis Eller.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Badger Funeral Home Chapel by Pastor Tim Roten.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to, Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church, PO Box 782, West Jefferson, NC 28694 or to the family, c/o Badger Funeral Home, PO Box 139, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.

Badger Funeral Home was entrusted with Mr. Gentry's arrangements.