Phyllis (Lee) Gentry

Phyllis Elizabeth Lee Gentry, 86, passed away on July 10, 2026.
Born on June 4, 1940, in Paducah, Kentucky, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Joseph E. Lee and Mary Elizabeth Sinclair Lee. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Joseph Lee and James Lee, and her son, John B. Gentry.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Johnnie Lee Gentry of Pewee Valley, Kentucky; her grandson, Colten Yung Gentry of Valley, Alabama; and several beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom will cherish her memory.
On June 4, 1960, Phyllis married the love of her life, Johnnie Lee Gentry, in Paducah, Kentucky.
As life partners, together they shared 66 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and adventure. The couple first met while attending Murray State University.
Throughout their years together, Phyllis and Johnnie made their home in many places, including Murray, Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Ord, California; Bronx, New York; Chicago, Illinois; Norman, Oklahoma; Fayetteville, Arkansas; and finally Pewee Valley, Kentucky.
Phyllis graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Murray State University in 1962, where she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She later followed her passion for nursing, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Norman, Oklahoma before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Arkansas. During her distinguished nursing career, she retired after 20 years from Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Phyllis was also a celebrated certified diabetes instructor.
After retirement, Phyllis shared time with her grandson, Colten. Together, they enjoyed visiting the library to read together. When they weren't reading, Phyllis took Colten to his swim team practices and competitions, where she cheered him on. Phyllis was an endearing grandmother, who even insisted on giving her car to Colten when he was old enough to drive.
Phyllis and Johnnie loved spending time together antiquing, where she had an eye for the unique items which made their house a home. She loved to do needlepoint and macrame, and even taught other family members to share her passion.
Phyllis was an avid dog lover. She and Johnnie were partners in training and dog show competitions. They were members of the National Flat Coated Retriever Society and the National Curly Coated Retriever Society. Her beloved Bramble was one out of many dogs that achieved the Westminster Kennel Club Best of Breed of Curly Coated Retrievers. Bramble was also Best of Breed at two national championships and Best of Breed at Northern California Curly Coated Retriever.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on August 7th from 10-11am at Duncan Memorial Chapel with a Memorial service beginning at 11am. Internment will follow at Floydsburg cemetery.

In keeping with Phyllis's love for animal, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Fayetteville, Arkansas Animal Shelter or Oldham County Humane Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis (Lee) Gentry, please visit our floral store.