Hawk Athletics mourns loss of Hall of Famer Curtis Gentry

PRINCESS ANNE — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Department of Athletics mourns the passing of Hawks Hall of Famer Curtis “Curt” Gentry, who passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

A 1955 graduate and member of the Trojan Hall of Fame at Portsmouth High School, Gentry was a star in his time with then-Maryland State College. After serving several years in the military, Gentry participated in basketball, baseball, football and track at MSC, lettering in all four.

Gentry received All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors in football as a defensive back in 1964 and 1965. During Gentry’s time with the team, the Hawks compiled an impressive overall record of 18 wins, 11 losses and one tie.

Gentry graduated from MSC in 1966 with a degree in Physical Education and went on to receive a Masters degree in Education from Northwestern University.

Following his time with the Hawks, Gentry signed as the 17th draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 1965. At age 29, Gentry was the oldest rookie to make an NFL roster. Gentry shares a Bears record with three interceptions in one game versus the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967.

He was inducted into the Hawks Hall of Fame in 1982. Gentry was also a former member of the Harlem Globetrotters and played AAA baseball in the Detroit Tigers organization.

He spent 10 years as a college football coach, making stops at Holy Cross, Northwestern, North Carolina A&T, Alabama A&M, and Lincoln. He worked as the head coach at both Alabama A&M and Lincoln while also serving as the athletic director at the former.

Gentry is survived by his three sons (Chris, Jimmy & Edward), one daughter (Julia), three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a special nephew and caregiver (Thomas), and two sisters (Mary Hamilton & Mary Campbell).

Funeral services with live stream will be held at noon on Saturday, November 6. To view the live stream, please visit the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home Facebook page at noon Saturday.