Ronald Neal Gentry
Born on September 13, 1950 in Indianapolis, IndianaPassed on August 8, 2025 in Altamonte Springs, Florida
Ronald Neal Gentry
September 13, 1950 – August 8, 2025
Ronald Neal Gentry — affectionately known as Dad, Grandpa, and Papa — entered eternal rest on August 8, 2025, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, at the age of seventy-four.
Ron courageously faced and overcame various life-threatening illnesses over the past 15 years, including late-stage dementia, meeting each challenge with remarkable strength, humor, and grace.
Born on September 13, 1950, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ron was the beloved son of Alvin and Lois Gentry. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: his younger sister, Dianne Gentry, who passed at age 17, and his older sister, Sharron Gentry, who passed at age 33.
Ron grew up attending West Morris Street Free Methodist Church, cherishing time with his cousin, Bradly Black, and his beloved Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Joe. In 1970, he proudly enlisted in the Army National Guard. Following his military service, he built a long and successful career in management within the international freight forwarding industry.
Ron was married to Elaine Cavanaugh for 16 years and to Maria Ferreira Lima for 11 years. He was a devoted and loving father to his five daughters: Michelle Brownewell, Pamela Gentry, Aline Monteiro, Lisa Gentry, and Megan Workman. His greatest joy was his family, and he poured his time, resources, and love into them.
He is survived by 17 grandchildren — David, Robert, Aiden, Adrian, Derek Jr., Juliues, Mahliya, Ardae, Romeo, Shanell, Thomas, Benjamin, Ronnie (Hart), Nash, Sullivan, Lettie, and Colsen — and four great-grandchildren: Leo, Phoenix, Oakley, and Delilah, with another, Esme, soon to arrive.
Ron will be remembered for his giving spirit, compassion, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones. He was blessed with wonderful Christian parents and a loving family who prayed for his salvation for over 50 years, Ron accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in January 2025. He was not a perfect man, but his actions and values often reflected the love of Jesus and with this decision he accepted the gift of eternal life for himself.
The viewing for family and friends will be on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 a.m., at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 E. Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, Florida. A committal service with military honors will take place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Ron to attend. If you have memories or photographs to share, please email them to [email protected].
We love you and we will miss you, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa, more than words can express. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace
