Obituary of Richmond Baxter Gentle

Richmond Baxter Gentle, “RB”, age 92 of Winston Salem went home to be with the Lord on May 14, 2020 surrounded by his sons. He was a lifelong resident of Winston Salem, born in 1927, to the late C.E. Gentle, Sr. and his wife, Maude. He attended grade school in Winston Salem, but graduated from Radford High School in Radford, VA. after his family moved there for work during WWII. RB came back to Winston Salem after graduation and went to work at Western Electric, later known as AT&T. He retired with 44 years of service. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years and lifelong love, Gay Watkins Gentle, eight years ago this month. His mother and father; brother, CE Gentle, Jr. and sister, Clarice Rudacil all predeceased him, as well as his great grandson, Ayden Mayton. RB is survived by his sons, Michael Gentle, Sr. of Winston Salem; Thomas Gentle and wife, Caroline, of Winston Salem; grandchildren: Lisa Bradshaw, Michael Gentle, Jr., Amy Gentle and Mara Gentle; four great grandchildren; and two great, great grandchildren; and his original daughter in law, Brenda Gentle of Winston Salem. RB was an active member of the Glen Avenue Gospel Chapel until closure, then Fair Oaks Chapel and lastly Parkway Chapel in Winston Salem. After retiring from AT&T, he spent many years donating his time volunteering and doing community service with the AT&T Pioneers. He was a hard worker devoted to providing for his wife and family. RB always had an outgoing personality and smile for those around him. When able, he enjoyed wood working and craft projects. He was an ardent supporter of the North Carolina Tarheels and enjoyed attending and watching games with his sons. RB will be greatly missed by his family, but they are grateful in the knowledge that he is reunited with his love and at home with the Lord. Due to RB’s advanced age and COVID-19 concerns, the family will not be hosting a visitation, instead, they will have a private graveside service where he will be buried with his wife at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston Salem. The family wishes to thank the staff of Trellis Hospice Care for their excellent care and guidance during RB’s final days.