Arlie Steve Gentry
April 10, 1957 ~ February 12, 2024
Arlie Steve Gentry, 66, of Gainesville, Florida passed peacefully away on February 12, 2024 with his loving partner holding his hand and family by his side after a long and valiantly fought painful battle with cancer.
Born the youngest of 13 children (the first of his siblings to be born in a hospital) Arlie loved family, he loved his dog Cody, his cats, Cem and Sam, he loved the beach, Florida’s springs, weekend trips in an RV, driving aimlessly and the life he and his life-partner Matthew built together.
Throughout his life, Arlie was a master of all trades – among other things, he worked as a model, a forest ranger, he was a salon owner, an interior designer, and an antiques shop owner. Arlie could spot a genuine piece at 500 yards, and tell you everything about it, including who made it and where they did so.
Arlie was artistic, an incredible cook, and a stunning decorator.
Arlie bought and refurbished an 1865 church building and turned it into a beautiful home doing everything from the plumbing and the electrical to building the tables, countertops and cabinets out of the church’s old pews.
Arlie was a master mechanic and over the years bought, refurbished and sold many RV’s and automobiles, though classic Mercedes were always his favorite, and he rarely was not driving in or working on one.
Arlie served his neighbors as a volunteer board member for a local senior community, serving as board president for three years. He was a staunch Democrat and believed heartily in helping others.
Arlie was a 40+ year survivor of HIV.
He was also a man of quiet but strong faith in God.
Though he now leaves many, many friends and loved ones behind, (and an unfinished novel) he also leaves an indelible legacy of kindness, love and sharing, and will always be present with those who knew him.
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With my Deepest Sympathies. I’m so sorry for Y’all’s loss. Sending Prayers and Love to each and every one of Y’all 💕🙏🙏💕
My Condolences
Love Always Nadine
Matt, So saddened to hear of your loss. Arlie is a special person just remember all your special times and memories hold them dear to your heart as they will help you in your time of grief and sorrow.
Sincere Condolences,
Willow D. Watson
I’m so sorry for y’all. Arlie was a blast when he would come with Marcella to the rest. He will always remain a good friend to me 💔💔
Matthew, no words can fully express the depth of my sorrow. Your heartfelt stories about Steve and the joy in your expression were truly moving. Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss, and may you find comfort in the love and support surrounding you.
After 22 years of love, laughter, fun (and possibly the occasional disagreement), the pain of your long battle has been released. God speed as you move on to the next stage of your journey – you will forever be in my heart, mind and soul. Thank you for all the years of making us such a beautiful home- wherever we were, of your total support in all my endeavors, of being my life-partner. I will miss our trips and new discoveries, I will miss your care, your cooking :-), but most of all no matter where I am or whatever is next – I will just miss you.
RIP Steve, you earned it.
In loving memory of Steve, thank you for all you gave of yourself to others, to make things better for everyone, and for being there always for my brother Matthew, I enjoyed all of our many vacations together, and of course your southern cooking. You will be missed by all who knew you, in my thoughts and prayers, love Nikki