University of Tennessee Athletics
Former UT Swim Coach Joe Gentry Passes Away
November 24, 2014 | Swimming & Diving
Nov. 24, 2014
Former Tennessee swimming coach Joe Gentry passed away Thursday morning at age 66 after a battle with cancer.
Gentry coached on Rocky Top for 15 years, three of which as the women's team head coach from 1977-1980, after graduating from UT in 1976. After transferring to UT from Bridgewater (VA) College, Gentry finished his education in Knoxville, where he also began his coaching career under former men's head coach Ray Bussard.
During his tenure with the Lady Vols, the team finished 27th at the AIAW Nationals in 1978, the first points ever scored at a national meet by the Lady Vols' swimming and diving program. In total, the Lady Vols compiled a 15-8 dual meet record during those three seasons.
In a 2012 interview with the Virginian-Pilot, Gentry noted that reading legendary basketball coach John Wooden's book "They Call Me Coach" in the 1970s propelled him into the coaching field.
"I stayed up all night and read the whole book," said Gentry. After his tenure at UT, Gentry spent six years in Norfolk, Va., coaching at Old Dominion University, continuing his profession that he was so passionate about.
"I don't have any children," said Gentry in the 2012 interview. "(The swimmers) are my kids."
Funeral arrangements have been made for Gentry. Visitation will be on Friday, November 28, at 6 p.m. at the HD Oliver Funeral Home in Chesapeake, Va. The memorial service will be the following morning at 11 a.m. at Eastern Shore Chapel in Virginia Beach.
