Luther "Tate" Gentry, 88, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026. He was a native of Buncombe County and the son of the late Erskine and Irene Lance Gentry. Tate is preceded in death by his wife, Polly Harris Gentry: seven sisters, Helen Hollar, Alice Waldrop, Mildred Reis, Virgie Gentry, Betty Brown, Pearl Thomas, and Edith Franklin, and two brothers, David and John Gentry.

Tate retired from Asheville VA Medical Center after many years of employment. He was a faithful servant to the Lord and a long-time member of Mt. Sheba Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon and sang in the church choir.

He is survived by his daughters, Melody Barlow (Brian) and Kim Wilson (Duane)' two sisters, Jeanette Grooms and Mary Elizabeth Black, grandchildren, Jordan and Madison Barlow, and Samantha and Matthew Wilson; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1pm Friday, October 2, 2026, at Mt. Sheba Baptist Church Cemetery. Reverend Steve Rhinehart will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tate's memory to Mt. Sheba Baptist Church, 870 New Stock Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org