With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Wayne Edward "Eddie" Gentle. He left us peacefully, to be with the Lord, on February 3, 2025. He had a 6-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia and was 72.
Eddie was born on September 1, 1952, in the old Bradenton General Hospital, and was a proud native his whole life. He only attended two schools, Manatee Elementary 1-6 grade, and Southeast High School 7-12 grade.
He retired as a Licensed Plumber after 44 hard-working years, at Griggs Plumbing Company in Bradenton. In his younger days a few customers would answer the door and say "Harold, it's Glen Campbell", who he resembled. Of course, it made it worse when he would blush. Eddie liked people. He touched everyone with his kindness and gentle spirit.
In his free time, he enjoyed deer and turkey hunting in Avon Park, Duette, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and West Virginia. When he wasn't doing that, he went freshwater fishing in the river and studied Florida History. In earlier years, camping was every other weekend with his wife, son, and friends. More recently he liked taking short trips with his grandchildren. His family and God were the center of his life. He will be sadly missed by his countless friends who were lucky enough to know him
Eddie is survived by his loving wife, to whom he was married for 52 years, Debbie (Cranmer) Gentle; his son Corey Gentle (Jennifer); 2 grandchildren, Miranda and Collin. Eddie is preceded by his mother, Cathrine (Lee) Gentle, and father, Fred Lee Gentle; 1 brother James Nelson Gentle, of Tallahassee.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 11, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Palmetto 1020 5th St W, Palmetto. Visitation will begin at 1:30 followed by the Funeral at 2:00.
