Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff William Jackson Gentry, Jr.

Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Monday, May 7, 2018

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff William Jackson Gentry, Jr.

Susan and Jack, I think about William every day. I think about the 4 wheelers, the pools, the forts...
It was really the perfect childhood for our boys. My heart aches for your family.

Catherine Witt
An old friend and neighbor

May 30, 2021

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

May 8, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

May 7, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Gentry.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 7, 2020

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

April 11, 2019

I hope that everyone can find comfort in Revelation 21:4 where it says, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Until we see him again in Paradise, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

August 16, 2018

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when William was killed in the line of duty.

To the Gentry family, fellow deputies , and all who call William beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I hope that your family knows that a nation mourned for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service William gave to his community and the citizens of Florida and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 7th, 2018.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

July 27, 2018

To the loved ones and fellow officers of Deputy Gentry,

My niece lives in Highlands county and has spoken very highly of Deputy Gentry and other deputies
I live in California, so knowing she is in such good, competent hands, gave me incredible peace of mind.
She is the proud mother of a Federal officer. I am his great Aunt.
I wanted all of you to know, Deputy Gentry's loss is felt all the way to California.
We personally share in the burden of your heartbreaking loss.
You do not carry this misery alone, it is shared by many.

C. Briggs
Former Transport Deputy, Tulare County California

June 13, 2018

On behalf of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard, we send our deepest sympathies and condolences. R.I.P. Deputy Gentry, may God bless you and keep you. May God comfort your family and all our brothers and sisters with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office during this difficult time. May God wrap you in his loving arms and grant your family strength, comfort and peace. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers my brother. Please know that we will never forget you and your service.
" Fidelis Ad Mortem " my brother, we have the watch from here.

Corporal James E. Barth
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard, Tampa, Fla.

June 13, 2018

Praying for comfort and peace for your family, your department, and your community.
We all honor your sacrifice brother.

Sgt. Bryan Herrin
West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office Louisiana

June 12, 2018

Deputy Gentry,

Thank you and your family for your sacrifice. May you rest in the arms of the Lord.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

June 2, 2018

A real "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

May 31, 2018

Rest in peace brother. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten....................

Det. Sgt. Edward Carlile
Northfield Village Police Dept (OH)

May 29, 2018

Rest easy brother. We got your six.

D/S John Murphy
Martin County Sheriff’s Office

May 25, 2018

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER (RETIRED)
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

May 23, 2018

A despicable crime committed by a despicable creature and a family mourns as another good man is taken from us.

Deputy Gentry, you have taken up a post in Heaven and now, watch over us all.

God Bless you, Brother and may you forever Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

May 23, 2018

Every morning I go to my knees. During that time I pray Psalm 91 over all LEO’s and this prayer also:

“Lord, Be with all law enforcement officers. Keep them safe and free from harm. They are Your soldiers on the front line of the battle against evil. If one should fall this day - wrap their family in your loving arms. Surround them with Your angels, loving family, friends, neighbors and caring people to comfort them. Ease their pain. Help them to mourn well. In Jesus' name and for Your Glory, Amen.”

I know that God sends those angels to watch over our officers, sometimes to protect them and sometimes to whisk our officers into His presence.

Feel His presence as God answers the prayers of many who have fallen to their knees on your behalf. Since the day of my son's death, I have carried every law enforcement officer and their family in my heart.

I have lifted your family to God every morning for over six years. I pray that William's life and death will bring glory to His name.

Trust those prayers. God is with you; He knows and will ease your pain.

Our faith helps us to see beyond the grave.

Pamela Hotsinpiller
Mother of
Deputy United States Marshal
Derek W. Hotsinpiller
EOW 2-16-2011

May 21, 2018

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place.
As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say “it’s OK, you’re with your eternal partners.”
A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.
Officer Jim Weaver (#11452), Los Angeles Police Department retired
12-25-2010

Retired Officer Jim Weaver
LAPD

May 18, 2018

"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell Police department
Powell, Wyoming

May 15, 2018

May your family unite o heal this tragedy. My prayers are there for both you and them

Lt. Retired Robert Merkle
Sharonville PD

May 15, 2018

R.I.P. BROTHER GENTRY!!!

Nebraska Police Officer

May 14, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family members of Deputy Sheriff William J. Gentry, Jr., especially to his brother. May Deputy William Gentry Jr. soul forever rest in heaven, and may God bless his entire family, especially his brother.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

May 13, 2018

My ♥️ breaks every time an officer is murdered by a criminal or anyone. I live in Polk County & was able to watch the funeral recession of this fine officer. There is not enough justice on this planet for someone who murders an officer of the law. I have read & heard such wonderful stories of this officer, how in his death he saved 70 lives with being an organ donor. Your family, friends, and thin blue line family are in my thoughts and prayers officer. As your soul is received by our Lord, know your involvement with the community will be long lived. I am thankful that my wonderful sheriff, Grady Judd, was able to provide whatever assistance was needed. All of this over a cat, which I do understand that our dogs & animals are part of our family, but the life of a human takes precedent. I’m so sorry for what happened to you. May God send comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding to your loved ones. God speed. Your work on earth is done, so Rest In Peace officer. I am a Reverend that provides free prayers for those who are left behind in mourning or for those who just want to pray.

Reverend Trina Segna 786-566-1840 Trina
Pastor celebration church

May 12, 2018

Rest easy

Lieutenant Justin Bernst
Okeechobee Police Department

May 11, 2018

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service. God's speed sir.

Lieutenant John C. Moore
Wisconsin State Conservation Warden

May 11, 2018

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