Bone Vivant

JIMMY

LEGEND

GENTRYis a soldier, teacher, and coach who has lived in Franklin his entire life. Born in 1925, he is one of eight children that grew up in a working-class family during the depression. After high school graduation, he left for the European Theatre of World War II and he returned home a changed man. He was awarded two bronze stars for his actions during the invasion of Germany and was among the first Allied troops to enter Dachau, the infamous Nazi death camp. You can read more about his time in the war and his transition back into home life in his book An American Life. Shortly after his return, Jimmy married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Channell, and they had three sons. The family lived in downtown Franklin initially, then on Murfreesboro Road and eventually moved to Rebecca’s family farm in the mid-1970s. Jimmy still lives on the farm as well as both sons and their wives. He has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Jimmy decided to further his education at Tennessee Tech University but he later transfered to Peabody College to be able to coach football at his alma mater Franklin High School because he, “thought that sounded like something I would like to do.” He continued coaching into his eighties. While in college, he majored in education and one of his greatest accomplishments is shaping and molding students in Williamson County to become contributing citizens. Jimmy has mentored and challenged local young men and women throughout his career as a teacher and coach. Many of his students have gone on to prominent positions locally and nationally. He has always been a hard worker and has always advocated for others to do the same. The thing that inspired him to work harder, be better, and do more was when at the age of twelve he lost his father and he had to start providing for the children who were left at home. He helped contribute to the family through hunting, fishing and trapping with his brothers. If he could give any advice to his younger self, he says “I might suggest that he consider those who have been through a lot of life before him. That they know things he doesn’t and to always listen well to your elders. I’d say to always consider your physical body as something God gave you and to take care of. I took care of myself by not smoking or drinking, while everyone else around me was. I’ve tried to eat well, go to bed early and keep a positive outlook on life. I would also say to always keep looking around you. Everything you see in nature and people was created by God. He made it all and He deserves the credit.”

When he was asked what makes Williamson County so special to him, he responded: “Well, that’s hard to answer because there’s so much special about Williamson County. Just look around at the terrain and all the hills and valleys. It is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, besides Austria. Another thing is that we are so close to the big city of Nashville for commerce, and yet still out here in the country. Also, all of the history here is very interesting. Lastly, the people of Williamson County have traditionally been very warm, Christian, friendly people.” However, we cannot forget the reason Jimmy is on this list. When Coach Gentry was asked what he thinks it means to be a gentleman he responded: “Well, being a gentleman, you have the feeling that you’re not just a human being, you’re a gentleman. I think mostly it means having respect for those around you. You can talk to someone for just a few minutes and know if they’re a gentleman, by the words they use and how they present themselves. Please, thank you, sir and ma’am lets you know they were raised right and to be respectful of others. Opening the door for women? Well, you shouldn’t even have to think about that. All these things are a part of being a gentleman.”

(615) 794-7415 • TENNESSEEVALLEYHOMES.COM

Photography by Mackenzie Smith

Hundreds of people came ready to try new drinks and meet new people as the sun set over Harlinsdale Park. iHeartMedia Nashville’s Bourbon & Bubbles Fest, flooded the night with live music and welcomed local food and spirit vendors to an evening of fun! People enjoyed various fine wines, craft beers, and bourbons throughout the night. This event benefited Friends of Franklin Parks, a nonprofit organization that works with the City of Franklin to identify needs and develop a vision for the future of the parks system. For more information, visit friendsoffranklinparks.org.

Lisa Bennett, Blaire Goldberg & Gina Gould Caroline Galbraith, Chip & Gina Crunk, Katherine Terrell, Dana Kahan Cahl Moser & Alicia Burcham Nina Walker & Brenda Goodwin

Tim & Suzanne Allard

Brandon Benbow, Mary Alice Ford, Christopher Romero & Alma Bolger Lauri Gee, Lola E. & Dee Bunch Ramona & Jeff Eadens Jeff & Lyndsay Pawlikowski

Dan & Kate Klim

Luis Sanchez & Caroline Fearnow Mark & Anna Best, Gina & David McWhirt Cherise Felix & Edward Morton Jr. Jennifer Garton, Esther Mollenhour & Bethany James

Demeka & Jason Church Amy & Bud Mabry Annette & Mike Ancona Brianna Melanson & Louis Leggieri

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427 E Water Street | Rosemary Beach, FL 32461 | $7,900,000

Just one home off of the Gulf with 70’ wide open water views! No work to do on this gorgeous home as it was totally re-designed by MRD designs & had a major renovation by Boheme design. This home is steps to the beach on the boardwalk, has a huge lap pool, an open living area, a spacious courtyard, a loft play area for children, an elevator, and a 2 car garage with a carriage house above it. Covered porches wrap around the entire house on both floors. There are 4 bedrooms and 3 baths on the 1st level, with a Master Suite on the 2nd floor. This home has a fabulous established rental history of $20,000-25,000 per week. Concrete construction with mahogany trim is easy to maintain and is sure to stand the test of time.