Gary "Sil" Gentry

Gary “Sil” Gentry, 85, of Carbondale, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at his home.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Sil was born on October 9, 1939, in Herrin, to William “Pete” and Elinor (Vaughn) Gentry. He married Vicky Drew on April 21, 1997, in Paducah, Kentucky. She preceded him in death on June 5, 2017.

He is survived by his son, Danny Gentry; daughter, Kathy Maleski; grandchildren, Danny R. Gentry, Wil Gentry, Kristina Gentry, and Brandon Maleskil; great-grandchildren, Brokton Mask, Miles May, Canden Gentry, Hayden Maleski, Colton Maleski, and Gracie Maleski; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbie Drew and Billy Drew; beloved cat, Robbie; and many dear golfing buddies.

Sil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vicky Drew; and sister, Deanna Pribble-Farmer.

Sil was a plumber for many years, beginning his career at Tom Tregoning Plumbing before starting his own business, Gentry Plumbing. He was an avid golfer and a member of both Kokopelli Golf Course in Marion and Crab Orchard Golf Course in Carterville, where he was a longtime member of the “11 o’clock” group and a past club champion. He also managed the clubhouse restaurant at Crab Orchard for a time. Sil and his late wife, Vicky, were both accomplished golfers, winning more than 15 couples’ tournaments throughout southern Illinois over the years. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors—whether fishing, hitting golf balls into the field, working in his garden (especially growing tomatoes and hot peppers), or caring for his yard.

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