With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charles Howard Gentry on May 17,2026, in Virginia Beach, VA, at the age of 83. Born on October 30, 1942, in Chesapeake, VA, he lived the majority of his life in Virginia Beach.
Charles was a devoted family man, deeply cherished by his loved ones.
He enjoyed bowling, was an avid saltwater fisherman, and enjoyed camping in the Blue Ridge mountains.
He began with a career of selling insurance, but it was when his twin brother, Bill, began building homes, that he found his true passion with woodworking, soon building his own custom homes in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. It wasn’t long before he opened his own cabinet shop in Great Bridge, later relocating to Virginia Beach. Throughout the years, he honed his exceptional skills, becoming a well-respected artisan and sought out throughout the Tidewater area. For a short time, he was hired to oversee the development of a chain of pizza shops along the eastern coast and down into the south.
Always an excellent storyteller, he returned with many tales of his experiences along the way. He was known to reach out to those in need and take them under his wing, whether it was to train them in the profession he loved or working with others on a home through Habitat for Humanity. His contributions to his community were substantial and enduring.
Preceded in death by his parents, Howard J. and Marjorie M. Gentry, his brother, William J. Gentry, and his first-born son, Gordon Howard Gentry, Charles leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory.
Left to honor his legacy are his daughters, Kimberly R. Cartwright and Shelley N. Harris, both of Virginia Beach; a son, Charles N. Gentry, of Virginia Beach; his sister, Gail Patricia Gentry, of Virginia Beach; and a host of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Riverside Memorial Park, located at 1000 Indian River Road, Norfolk, VA.
Following the service, the remembrance of a man whose life was a blend of devotion, diligence, and faith, a Celebration of Life will follow at the home of Shelley Gentry.
