Kenneth Ray Gentry, beloved husband, father and “Papa” passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2023 surrounded by the love of his family.
Ray was born on September 16, 1941 in Pottawatamie County, Oklahoma. His parents were William “Kenneth” Gentry and Laverne (Vanschuyver) Gentry. His family emigrated to Escalon while Ray was a child and he grew up in the family home on their almond orchard on Sexton Road. Ray attended Van Allen School and Escalon High School.
Upon graduation, Ray worked at various grocery stores before becoming a produce manager for Lucky Stores for 17 years. In 1977, Ray became a Union Representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 588 where he was employed until his retirement in 1997.
Ray met the love of his life, Lynn Camoirano, on St. Patrick’s Day in 1960, on a blind date arranged by his best friend, Paul Lagier. There was an immediate attraction and they were married on September 17, 1960 and had two sons, Kevin and Mike. Ray and Lynn celebrated their 63rd anniversary just prior to Ray’s passing.
Just prior to Ray’s retirement, they purchased a beautiful cabin in Arnold, CA where they spent most of their time after Ray retired and were very active in social activities with a large circle of friends at the Moose Lodge. Ray and Lynn took many trips during their lifetime and traveled extensively in the south following Ray’s retirement. They also took many day trips in the mountains and foothills where Ray would find a casino to play blackjack and Lynn would visit the local antique stores.
Ray loved fishing all his life and later in life grew to enjoy woodwork, specializing in bird houses which he customized for family and friends and sold to local shops. He was a good pool player and played weekly with a group of friends. While Ray enjoyed those activities, his biggest hobby was focusing on his family and showering them with love. Ray had two sons, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Every Wednesday evening was cocktail hour at Nana and Papa’s with their kids, grandkids and great grandkids.
Ray is survived by his wife, Lynn; sons Kevin (Sue) Gentry and Mike Gentry, grandchildren Steve (Jenelle) Gentry, Staci (Freddy) Diaz, Jessica (Lucas) Russell and Meghan (Devan) Whitlock, and great-grandchildren, Devyn Diaz, Cooper Diaz, Braxon Gentry, Ellie Gentry, and Hunter Russell.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 6, at the home of Steve and Jenelle Gentry at 2501 Nathaniel Court, Escalon, CA 95320.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Nov. 1, 2023
