Earl Dean Gentle, 90, of Scottsboro died Friday, July 18, 2025. Dean is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Hall Gentle, daughter Sherry Brooks, and parents Ben and Mary Gentle.
Dean grew up in Lim Rock, Alabama and graduated from Jackson County High School in 1953. Dean owned a heating and air conditioning business in Scottsboro and enjoyed a long and successful career servicing businesses and households in Jackson County and the surrounding areas.
Dean was married to his sweetheart Evelyn Gentle for 52 years and was a loving and devoted father to his two daughters and son. Later, Dean became “Papa Dean” or “Poppy” to his seven grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. Dean loved classic cars, spending time on the lake or beach, cheering on the Atlanta Braves and Auburn Tigers, traveling to new places, helping those in need, and telling a good story. Most of all, he loved spending time and sharing the things he loved with his family and friends.
Dean is survived by: son Michael (Paula) Gentle of Huntsville, AL; daughter, Marianne (Fred) Marsh of Florence, AL; son-in-law Robert Brooks of Merkel, TX; grandsons Eric (Erin) Yeager, of Clearwater, FL, David (Jessica) Marsh of Aurora, CO, and Hunter Gentle of Huntsville, AL; granddaughters Brittany (Jason) Godwin of Belvidere, TN, Amanda (Evan) Fowler of Madison, AL, Megan Yeager of Vashon Island, WA, and Hannah Marsh (David Shaw) of Denver, CO; and great-grandchildren, Rudyard Yeager, Rio Yeager, Audrey Fowler, and Ben Fowler; nephews and nieces.
While Dean always considered Scottsboro his home, he lived in the Shoals area in his later years. He made a lot of new friends in his last years. He received loving care and attention at Brookdale Shoals, The Neighborhood at Sheffield, and The Summit at Mitchell Hollingsworth. Dean was grateful for these communities and regarded the staff as family. His family would like to sincerely thank all of the staff members who cared for him over the years.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Scottsboro, AL with Rev. Donna King officiating.
Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home
