From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Cecil Thomas Gentry (Tom), 84, Vero Beach
April 30, 1939 – August 6, 2023
Cecil Thomas Gentry (Tom), 84, of Vero Beach passed away peacefully on August 6, 2023.
He was born in South Bend, Indiana to Cecil W Gentry and Lucille Gentry.
He is preceded in death by his 2 brothers and 2 sisters. He leaves behind 1 brother, Danny Gentry.
Tom was married to Virginia Gentry for almost 61 happy years. They moved to Vero Beach in 1985. Earlier in his career, Tom was an Automobile Mechanic/Electrical Engineer then worked at Piper Aircraft in Electronics/Instrumentation in Lakeland, FL later transferring to Piper in Vero Beach, FL.
Tom was a soft spoken, kind man that loved his wife, children, and family.
He was always making home movies at family events to preserve lasting memories. He loved trains, planes, antique cars and gardening. Tom will be missed by everyone.
Surviving are his 2 daughters, Jennifer Gentry-Gerry and husband Raymond, Brenda Marinke and husband David. 5 grandchildren, Ray Edward, Harlequin, Rohan Gerry, Matthew, Marshall Marinke and 1 great grandson, Liam Marinke.
He was an Army Veteran and will be buried at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on August 10th at 2:30pm.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Melinda McEwan, 61, Gainesville
March 29, 1962 – August 14, 2023
Melinda McEwan, 61, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023 in Vero Beach, FL.
She was born to Dorothy McEwan and the late Fred McEwan on March 29,1962 in Vero Beach, FL. In her youth, Melinda was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome; however, this did not hold her back from living a happy and amazing life. She graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1980. She moved to Gainesville, FL in 1998 where she lived at Buckingham Group Home with other individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome. She cherished the group home staff and considered them a part of her family.
Melinda attended ARC of Alachua County where she was engaged in daily activities to promote wellness and life-skills training. Her favorite activity was participating in the ARC workshop. She enjoyed word puzzles, computer games, and arts and crafts. She was fluent in sign language. She had a strong faith in God and enjoyed going to church. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.
Melinda is survived by her mother, Dorothy McEwan of Fort Pierce, FL; her sister, Lisa (Troy) Fahser of Fort Pierce, FL; three nieces, Candace (Wade) White of Wilmington, DE; Kasey Fahser of Jensen Beach, FL; Kaylin Fahser of Longmont, CO; and one great-nephew, Noah White of Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Prader Willi Florida Association 7760 Granville Drive, Tamarac, FL 33321.
A celebration of life will be scheduled in the coming months.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Melinda Kae McEwan, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Carolyn Mae (Penland) Rice, 88, Vero Beach
September 5, 1934 – August 15, 2023
Carolyn Mae (Penland) Rice, 88, a lifelong resident of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at the Vero Beach Care Center. She had been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2019.
Born on September 5, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Walton Dane and Bertha Amelia (Hansen) Penland.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, G. Warren Rice; two brothers, Norris Dane Penland and Carl Warren Penland; one sister, Bertha Annabelle Penland Martin; and a daughter in law, Leslie Suzanne (Byrd) Rice.
Carolyn is survived by two sons, David (Jeri) Rice of Round Rock, Texas, and Dale Rice of Plant City, Florida; two daughters, Bethany Rice and Beverly (Tim) Turner, both of Vero Beach; 5 grandchildren, Nick (Kayleine) Turner, Veronica Turner, Jessica (Joey) Roger, Dane Rice, and Drew Rice; and 5 great grandchildren, Lucas and Nathan Turner, Jeriah Thomas, and Joziah and Jexi Roger.
She graduated from Vero Beach High School, class of 1952, and married her husband, G. Warren Rice in 1955.
Carolyn was a lifetime member of First Methodist Church in Vero Beach. She taught 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School class for over 40 years. She was a member of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class and participated in many Women’s Circles. She was the “Flower Lady” for the Caring Ministries for 40+ years and had the gift of visiting others who needed comfort and a listening ear. She had also been involved with many youth activities of the church as well as positions in the church’s council.
Carolyn also participated and was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for over 50 years as well as the Boy Scouts of America, Indian River District, Gulf Stream Council. She was Den Mother to many in Cub Pack 502, a committee member of Boy Scout Troop 551, and recipient of the Silver Fawn Award.
She was known for her love and support for children of all ages, and had been active in her children’s school activities.
A Celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at First Methodist Church of Vero Beach, 1750 20th Street, in Vero Beach. Rev. Becky Glass-Calahan will officiate.
Carolyn will be laid to rest with her husband at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Methodist Church of Vero Beach, 1750 20th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960; or any charity of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Carolyn Mae (Penland) Rice, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
