Toy Drive

A special light was brought into this world on July 31, 2003, when Carter Ryan Gentry was born- the son of Chad Louis Gentry and Tammy Jaree (Giles) Gentry. Carter was genuine and LOYAL. His smile brought a light to those around him, his laugh was contagious, and his hugs were the kind that made everyone feel better. To know him, was to love him. Eighteen years is too soon to be gone, but in that time, Carter lived his life to the fullest, every single second. He lived it with no limits. If he said he was going to do something, he didn’t just talk about it, he went out and did it. With the support of his friends and family, Carter fought in Golden Gloves, snow-boarded down the mountains in Colorado, and jumped out of plane to skydive TWICE. He loved his family and had special bonds with so many friends. He had the most special bond with his brothers and sister, Tyler, Christopher, and Kylee. They weren’t just his brothers and sister, they were his life and his best friends, a part of him. He had so many cousins that always held a special place in his heart. He had friends that are now family, brothers forever. He experienced true and amazing love with the love of his life, Andee. While most kids look up to their parents, Chad and Tammy looked up to Carter. He was his dad’s hero and his momma’s fiercest protector.   He knew how to work hard, play harder, and love with an extraordinary devotion that people were lucky to experience. He had an amazing work ethic, was mature well beyond his years, and he and his brother had big plans for their life that they were not afraid to work their asses off to achieve. They worked for Uncle Mike, their second dad, who took care of them, loved them, gave them hell, and taught them how to work, how to have fun, and how to spend money – that you can always make more. “C-Money” was the one everyone wanted in their corner. He wasn’t afraid to fight for his family, his friends, and for what is right. He faced too many obstacles in his short life, but he kept his chin up, shoulders squared, and never backed down. He knew that he was never alone because his family always had his back. Always fully supported him. Always fought for him. The Gentry family is easily respected by all who know them because of their love, devotion, and sincere spirit.  Carter knew how to live life well. And he made this world a better place in the way he loved, the way he hustled, and the way he overcame. This world is too quiet without him. It’s too dark. It will never be the same without him here. It never will be.  It never should be.  Carter left far too soon, and nothing will ever fill that void. But he left with no regrets, knowing he was LOVED, that he was worth the fight, with family and friends that always believed him. He NEVER left ‘I Love You’ left unsaid. While he is gone, we must think on what he would want from us and always carry him with us in our hearts. We will get back up, always keep fighting, and live life in his extraordinary way. We will honor the life he lived by always living BIG and carrying on his light. And he would WANT that for us all. He would never want us sad. In fact, he’d be mad at us all if we stay sad. So, SMILE and remember his light, love, loyalty, contagious laugh, and ability to make EVERYONE that met him, LOVE HIM.  

Written with love by Carter Gentry’s Family.