Calvin P. Gentry Jr.

Calvin P. Gentry, Jr. affectionately known as “Cal” to family and friends was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Susie M. (Herndon) and Calvin P. Gentry, Sr. on December 25, 1947. Calvin transitioned from this life on July 9th, 2025. Calvin grew up in Avondale, where he attended South Avondale Elementary School and Samuel Ach Junior High. He graduated from Hughes High School in 1965 playing on the varsity football team and the varsity track and field team as a shot-put thrower. After high school, Calvin graduated from a US Manpower Mechanical Drafting Class in 1966 and was hired by R K LeBlond as a Mechanical Draftsman Level I. In 1968 Calvin joined Wm S. Merrell Company as a Draftsman Technician.

It was at Merrell where he met the queen of his heart, Marian Essex. He was united in Holy Matrimony to his queen, Marian, in March of 1971. Marian was always with her husband and was a devoted companion who took care of Calvin in sickness and in health. This union was blessed with three children, Jermaine Phillip, Janel Patrice and Joel Phillip Gentry.

Continuing his education at the University of Cincinnati, Calvin became part of the Safety, Security, and Environmental Services team at William S. Merrell Company. Calvin developed and wrote the entire Safety and Security Standard Operating Procedures, cataloging all safety/security protocol for the Reading chemical plant. He received his certification as a CPR Instructor and provided on the job CPR training to employees and served as a volunteer CPR Instructor for the American Red Cross. During his career, Calvin was a 1997 graduate of the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati’s African American Leadership Development Program - Class 4 and was a 1997 YMCA Black Achiever for his excellence in leadership, research and development. He retired after 47 years as Manager, Site Security and Administrative Services.

He became a Born-Again Child of God in 1972 at Bethlehem Apostolic Temple Church under Pastor, Bishop Elize W. Young (PCAF). In 1980 Trustee Gentry transferred his family’s membership to Greater Emanuel Apostolic Temple Church, pastored by The Late Bishop Paul A. Bowers (PAW) where he served in many capacities: Sunday School Teacher Junior High and Senior High Young Adult Classes, Children’s Church 3rd Sunday Team Instructor for eight years, the first President of the Voices Of Emanuel - Men’s Choir 1980 – 1990, Co-Leader of the Emanuel Knights, Church Trustee, Church Deacon, Member of the Official Church Board, Church Usher, Planning Committee Member of the GEAT Men’s Ministry, Member of the Church Security Team and a Member of Dr. Elma Jean Bowers Grandé Reception Hall Staff. Deacon Calvin was so committed to the annual Greater Emanuel’s Veteran’s Day Luncheon; he would make sure that we had enough gifts and food. He would give the Food Service Department large monetary donations to ensure the success of the Veteran’s Day program.  Calvin’s business acumen led to his appointment as project coordinator of Greater Emanuel’s first $1,000,000 expansion project. Using his drafting skills, Calvin created the initial architectural drafts of the church expansion. He took the visions of Bishop Bowers and the Board and penned them to paper, in which his drafts were submitted to the architect. Calvin was a mentor and role model to many young men at Greater Emanuel, and he encouraged everyone with kind words and humor. Calvin enjoyed taking care of his family (especially his grandkids and great-grandson Tahj, Papa's “Boo-ta-boo”), always supporting and encouraging them to be their best. Many have described him as one of their “favorites” in various capacities. He was always full of fun, life, laughter, and jokes. Calvin always provided wisdom and guidance to people and helped them along their journey. He also took pride in taking care of his home, yard, and his coordinated fashion. He enjoyed traveling and seeing the world with Marian. Every year Calvin celebrated his birthday on Christmas Day with family and friends.

Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Phillip Gentry Sr., Susie Marie Hobbs and his paternal sister, Beverly Kennedy.

Calvin leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted Queen, Best Friend, and Wife of 54 years, Marian Gentry; three children, Jermaine Phillip Gentry (Danielle), his baby girl Janel Patrice Gentry, and Joel Phillip Gentry (Amber); six grandchildren, Daija Leetrice Robinson (Lamar), Chephren Sundiata Hughes II (Abby), Demera Markell Lawrence, Trey Phillip Gentry, Amaya Joelle Gentry, Joel Phillip Gentry II; two great-grandsons, Tahj Phillip Hughes and Liam Phillip Robinson; and two bonus great-grandchildren, A’Mora and Kaycen Meier. Two maternal sisters, Edna Marie Hobbs Gibbs and Emily Sue Tidwell. Two stepbrothers Larry Miller (Cathy) and Michael Miller. Four sisters-in-love, Margret Price (Jim), Nellena Williams (Steve), Darlene Jackson, Gwen Denson (Nathaniel); five brothers-in-love, Willie “Bill” Essex Jr., Kenneth Essex, Kinley Essex, David Essex (Monica), and Timothy Essex (Patrice); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special Family friends, Linda Weaver, Daryl and Diane Lewis. He also leaves to cherish his memory his current pastor, Bishop LaVelton & Lady Patricia Daniel and his Greater Emanuel Apostolic Temple church family. Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ, who provides comfort and compassion to us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from Our Lord and Savior.

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