Curtis William Gentry

   Curtis William Gentry, 85, of Durham, NC, a former Portsmouth resident, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2022, in Durham. He was born August 8, 1937 in Waco, KY, a son of the late Mary Frances Hisle Gentry Cavanaugh and Leon Gentry.

   Curt was a 1955 graduate of Portsmouth High School where he is a member of the Trojan Hall of Fame. An outstanding athlete, he was a defensive back in the NFL from 1966-1968, playing for the Chicago Bears and wearing #46. Curt was also a former member of the Harlem Globetrotters and played AAA baseball for the Detroit Tigers. While serving in the US Army, he played with his post basketball and baseball teams.

   Curt attended Miami University (Ohio), received a BS in Physical Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Northwestern University. He retired as a Professor of Physical Education from Lake County Community College in Grays Lake, IL and was a former football coach at Holy Cross University, Northwestern University and North Carolina A&T. Curt was head football coach at Lincoln University and Alabama A&M, where he also served as athletic director.

   The City of Portsmouth, Ohio honored Mr. Gentry with a star on the floodwall murals as well as with his likeness on the mural honoring local sports figures.

   Surviving are three sons, Chris Gentry and Jimmy Gentry, both of Greensboro, NC, and Edward Gentry of Las Vegas, NV; one daughter, Julia Gentry of Greensboro, NC; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a special nephew and caregiver, Thomas (Gracie) Gentry of Durham, NC; and two sisters, Mary Hamilton of Detroit, MI and Mary Campbell of Richmond, KY.

  In addition to his parents, Curt was also preceded in death by two siblings, Thomas Leon Gentry and Betty Kathleen Gentry.

   Funeral services with Live Stream will be held at noon on Saturday at Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Jordan officiating and interment in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 A.M. until the funeral hour.

   To view the Live Stream, please visit the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home Facebook page at noon Saturday.

   The James Dickey Post #23 American Legion will conduct military graveside rites.

   Arrangements are under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home..

      The flag of the US Army will fly at the funeral home in honor of Mr. Gentry’s service to our country.

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