Gentry August Abels

Gentry was welcomed into the loving arms of his long-time love, Susan Howell Abels, whom he lost in June of 2018 after 36 years together. He surely fussed to her that "they" 'took his truck and would never answer their phones' when he called each of 'them' 20 times a day.

Gentry was born November 5, 1939 to James Gentry Abels, an assistant supervisor at Container Corporation of America, and Kathryn Cook, who both preceded him in death far too young.

Gentry was a proud Nassau County resident living his years in Fernandina Beach as a FBHS Class of '58 graduate. In high school, Gentry was an accomplished athlete in football and with many awards in track and field. After high school, Gentry enlisted in the Navy for a short time before returning to the island to help care for his ailing parents. Gentry worked his career as a blacksmith at Rayonier Corp pulp mill with many of his lifelong friends. He and Susan later moved to Kings Ferry after his retirement.

Gentry was always drawn to the outdoors even as a child in the 'little one bedroom house' in Chester that was shared with such fond memories with his younger siblings that he leaves behind, Helen (Tom) Wallace of Jacksonville, FL and Henry 'Hank' (Joni) Abels of Chester, FL.

Gentry is also survived by his children, Jimmy Walker of Treasure Island, FL, Jason (John Vodzak) Abels of Tampa, FL, Brian (Jenny) Abels of Bryson City, NC, and Crystal (Phillip) Patterson of Hilliard, FL. Anyone that knew Gentry knows that his true passion was the love for his grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Daniel) Bagley, Britton Abels, all of Bryson City, NC and Jessica, Preston Patterson of Hilliard, FL. Also, a true spotlight of his heart was his new great- grandson and his namesake, August Bagley, of Bryson City, NC.

Gentry and Susan would become great friends with his former wife and longtime friend, Roswitha, and her husband Ed Graves, of which they would vacation and spend time together with the extended family.

Gentry and Susan both enjoyed NASCAR racing and spent many years attending races in the southeast with friends and family. They loved dancing (jooking as they called it) enjoyed day rides on their motorcycle, Gator football (GO GATORS!, he would always say proudly), camping trips, hunting, fishing, gardening and extended time in Bryson City, NC with their grandchildren. He and Susan found an interest for trains while in Bryson City and both briefly worked at the scenic train for GSMR. Gentry would stop for every train and let Susan wave to anyone and was just giddy when they would return the gesture.

Later, Gentry became the caregiver for Susan during several years of her declining health, taking better care of her than any home health nurse.

Gentry will be missed by many and forgotten by none. A private gathering will be held by immediate family at a later date. Internment will be at the Abels family plot in Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach, FL next to his love, Susan.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/jacksonville-cremation for the Abels family.