Local business leader and beloved community member Craig Gentry died on impact when the plane he was piloting plunged to the ground near Lumpkin County’s Guy Wimpy Airport on Saturday evening, according to officials.
The 39-year-old Dahlonega resident was piloting a Cessna Skyhawk on the way back from Athens when he came up short of the runway and crashed next to an unfinished residence on Camp Wahsega Road just before 7 p.m., according to reports.
“Eyewitnesses saw the aircraft execute a go around from an attempted landing and heard the aircraft impact a short time after the go around,” read a report listed on the Aviation Safety Network.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene but Gentry, who was flying solo, had already died.
The exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined.
Meanwhile the sudden loss of a man who was a friend to many has left residents reeling in Lumpkin County and beyond.
FAITH IN ACTION
Gentry was a dedicated family man with a reputation of a savvy entrepreneur who had an appetite for adventure.
That’s something his friend Jake Kisser can attest to.
“I got to share moments underground caving with Craig to soaring high in the sky flying small planes, to everything in between,” he said. “I will always carry a small piece of Craig in my heart.”
Gentry was also the founder of GotFreshBreath, a business he co-created along side fellow Lumpkin County resident Trey Greer. Chances are if you see a mouth wash dispenser in a Chick-fil-A, it’s because of Gentry. His energetic financial instincts also led him to make an impact in the e-business community.
That’s how he met fellow entrepreneur Bill D’Alessandro.
“[Craig] gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received,” he said. “He told me 'If you are Aquaman, you don’t pick a fight on land, you fight in the water. Find your water.’ This had a big impact on me and continues to be a guiding principle in life and business.”
Most notably, Gentry was a man of sincere faith, which was apparent to many whether he was in or out of the boardroom.
“Craig did not just listen to what he read in the Bible and heard in church, but he put it into action daily,” said his friend Brock Boleman. “The entire mission…I will miss him so much.”
He leaves behind a wife Gretchen, daughter Abby Kay, sister Ivy, parents John and Alice Gentry, and a host of friends and family.
Funeral visitation will be Thursday, March 24th at 1 p.m. at Browns Bridge Church (3860 Browns Bridge Road, Cumming, GA) with the funeral service immediately following at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers it has been asked for donations to be directed to memory of Craig to Be Rich (berich.org) and Mission Hope (missionhope.org).
REMEMBERING CRAIG
When reaching out for comments about Gentry, The Nugget received so many heartfelt notes that instead of picking and choosing, we’re including them all below:
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James Fitts-
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21. This was Craig’s favorite verse and he was bigger than life because he was given life. He lived a life of purpose, honoring God, bringing glory to him everyday in sharing this new life he was given. I am one of the many lucky enough to have been affected by his mission. He was my spiritual mentor, counselor, friend, and more than that my brother. I know he is shouting the loudest praises in heaven joining in that party because to die is to gain. I love him so!”
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Bryson Payne-
“Craig was one of my closest friends for almost 20 years, and although he was a decade younger than me, I considered him a wise and trusted mentor. He was one of the first people I called on when I needed to make a big decision, he was always the first to help whenever Bev or I needed anything, and he was an inspiring example of a faithful husband and loving father.”
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Brock Boleman-
“Craig was a doer. He was always quiet and an effective planner with a goal to serve Jesus and love his neighbor. He exemplified James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Craig did not just listen to what he read in the Bible and heard in church, but he put it into action daily. The entire Mission: Hope family and I will miss him so much.”
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Nathan Stevens-
“Craig and I first met when I was in high school around seven years ago via my friend Trey who was Craig's mouthwash business associate. In high school I often worked helping out at the mouthwash warehouse or helped out with painting and renovations at several of his rental homes. Over time Craig and I became friends and I came to realize so much of my perspective around the intertwining of work and purpose came from my interactions with him. Craig was truly a rare and admirable person. I also always walked away from my time with Craig with more wisdom. He knew how to work successfully, but not to the detriment of his family, his beliefs or himself, while giving so much away to others at the same time. Craig was serious about leaving this world better than he found it, but never sacrificed having fun or loving others well to do so. The times I saw Craig at his best was when he was around his daughter Abby - she came to visit various worksites when I'd be working for Craig and she'd go around making sure everyone knew "her dad was the boss and she was his princess." During our last interaction, Craig, Trey and I were driving back from a mens group several weeks ago and we were talking about how rare it is that a man finishes strong in the world, making their family and organization better in the process. Looking back now I didn't realize how this conversation would ring so true and applicable to the sincere life Craig lived.”
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Coach John McCrary-
“Craig was well respected and loved by all of his teammates and coaches. He was hardworking and dedicated to any and everything that he was involved with. I knew that whenever I ran into Craig that I could expect a big bear hug and an "I love you, Coach." I will so miss seeing his smiling face and the genuine care that he showed for everyone around him. I know I will see Craig again one day soon as he truly lived out his faith in his everyday walk. It was my honor and pleasure to coach, mentor, and love Craig. He will be greatly missed by all.”
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Brad Faulkner-
“Craig Gentry was one of the finest men I have ever met. His integrity was unparalleled and his love for his friends, family, and the Lord Jesus was seen in his daily walk. His generosity and heart for giving was incredible and He was such a blessing to me, my family, and our ministry. Craig was my friend, who loved deep and cared much. He will be forever in our hearts.”
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Thomas Coggins-
“Craig Gentry embodied Christ’s command to go and be the hands and feet of the church. Craig gave of himself and of his resources in ways that I can’t begin to fully imagine or dream of aspiring to. Every moment that I had the blessing of spending with Craig drew me deeper into a relationship with him and without me even realizing it, was actually being drawn deeper into a love for Christ himself. Craig cared so deeply about those around him - his friends, his family, Gretchen, Abby Kay - and those whom he had never even met all the way on the other side of the world that he intentionally structured and lived his life all for THEM. To ensure that they were all cared for and loved and ultimately shown who Christ is and how good, sweet, and passionate our glorious God is for us, His children. Craig's purpose was centered on this. And he embodied his purpose, he embodied the mission of Christ every day and now… now he rests and rejoices alongside our Redeemer worshipping before the throne of God! May we all seek to see Craig’s example and live for Christ in such a way!”
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Jake Kisser-
“Craig Gentry lived his life to the fullest every second of the day. I was blessed enough to share in many special moments. He was always ready to share and engage to make others better. I got to share moments underground caving with Craig to soaring high in the sky flying small planes, to everything in between. I will always carry a small piece of Craig in my heart.”
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Bill D’Alessandro-
“I was in a CEO’s group with Craig for several years, and we had become good friends. Craig was one of the people I looked up to most in my life. He very clearly had his priorities straight and lived life with conviction and purpose - something I think we all aspire to. His faith came through in everything he did, not in a brash way, but he had the quiet confidence and kindness that made you want to ask “what secret about the world do you know that I don’t”? That secret for Craig was Jesus, and the way he lived his life was a testament to his faith.
He also gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. He told me “If you are Aquaman, you don’t pick a fight on land, you fight in the water. Find your water.” This had a big impact on me and continues to be a guiding principle in life and business. Thank you Craig for helping me find my water.”