James William "J.W." Gentle, age 78, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia. He was born on July 19, 1932 in Okolona, the son of Wesley and Eva Barrong Gentle. J.W. was retired from the United States Army and AT&T. He also served in the United States Air Force for thirteen years and was a Master Mason. J.W. was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Pat Overton. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Gentle of Arkadelphia, three sons, Brad Gentle, Paul Gentle & Roger Gentle, three daughters, Melva Wilburn, Ruth Ellen Gentle & Jamie Gentle, one brother, Charles (Wilma) Gentle of Curtis and three sisters, Betty Taylor, Peggy (Joe) Palmere and Wanda (Pat) Welch, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 Pm Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Welch Funeral Home with Rev. Dwight Craig and Rev. Martin Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will be in Center Ridge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Center Ridge Cemetery Fund or Humane Society of Clark County. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign guest book and view video tribute.