Andre Carl Gentry

Andre Carl Gentry was born on April 15, 1958, to Charlie Ray Gentry and Shirley Carter (Wilson) at Beyer Memorial Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Andre attended Easterbrook Elementary in Ypsilanti, MI and Cadillac Middle School in Detroit, MI before graduating from Belleville High School in Belleville, MI in 1976 while living with his father and stepmother, Amy Gentry.

From a young age, Andre was fearless, competitive, and passionate about sports. He carried that drive and determination throughout his life as an entrepreneur, working in and owning several businesses over the years, including pay phone coin collection services, transmission shops, air duct cleaning services, real estate ventures, and automotive mechanic shops.

In 1989, Andre and Sherry Shadd welcomed a son, Julian Alexander Shadd-Gentry, into the world. Basketball became one of the greatest bonds they shared, and together they spent years traveling across the United States and Ontario, Canada for Julian’s games and tournaments. Those long rides were filled with Andre’s wisdom, life lessons, and unforgettable conversations — not only for his son, but also for the many friends who joined them along the way. Andre also mentored countless young men through God and the sport of basketball, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.

Andre was a man of strong faith. He led by example and stood firm in what he believed. He valued loyalty and kept his circle small, allowing only a select few into his heart. To those fortunate enough to know him closely, he was a devoted friend, trusted mentor, and steady presence.

One of Andre’s greatest joys was being “Papa” to his grandchildren - Chaela, Janeé, Addyson, and Elijah, whom he loved dearly and spoke of with pride.

If Andre wasn't watching the kids play, you could find him attending Lions, Tigers, and Pistons games with his “baby sis,”Lisa, or chasing golf balls with his brother, Michael. He was also a true lover of jazz music and enjoyed attending concerts and jazz clubs.

In 2019, Andre met his wife, Leonor Moncada, and the two were married in 2023, beginning a beautiful chapter together built on love and devotion.

Andre lost his fight against Heart Disease on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026. Andre was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Ray Gentry; his mother, Shirley Carter (Wilson); his stepmother, Amy Gentry; and his brother, Daemon Carter.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Leonor Moncada-Gentry of Honduras; son, Julian Shadd-Gentry (Jamie) of Chatham, ON, Canada; grandchildren, Chaela Chantler, Janeé Chantler-Shadd-Gentry, Addyson Chantler-Shadd-Gentry, and Elijah Shadd-Gentry of Chatham, ON, Canada; Julian’s older brother, Keylen Shadd, and his children, Xzavier, Alaya, and Kaylyn, of Chatham, ON, Canada; stepdaughter, Monica Machuca of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; sisters,Judi K. Gentry of Phenix City, AL, and Lisa M. Gentry of Ypsilanti, MI; brother, Michael R. Gentry (Celestina) of Livonia,

MI, David Jones, Gary Powell, and Johnny E. Lawrence.; nephews, AlexanderGentry-Scott, Xaidan and Xavier Gentry,

Marcus, Bryant, and Bryce Carter; nieces, Jami McNear-Skiles, Jazlyn Matthews, and Marcelina Gentry; and many extended family members and dear friends who became family, including Darryle Miller, Walter Reed, and Russell Hastings.

Andre was also very close to Kirk Francois, whom he mentored and kept close throughout the years. Andre’s strength, wisdom, faith, humor, and unwavering love for those closest to him will forever be remembered and deeply missed. 

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