Franklin memorial honoring Jimmy Gentry, 'Lost Heroes of Williamson County' to be unveiled April 29

The City of Franklin will unveil a statue honoring late war hero and beloved community member coach Jimmy Gentry and his fellow service members, the Lost Heroes of Williamson County, on April 29.

Gentry died in 2022 at the age of 96. At the close of World War II in 1945, he helped to liberate the Dachau concentration camp. Gentry then returned to Franklin where he continued his service to his community as a "legendary teacher and coach and the patriarch of local treasure Gentry’s Farm."

The Lost Heroes Memorial also honors the 3,500 Williamson County men who deployed from Franklin’s Five Points during World War II, of which 600 were killed in action, including Gentry's brother David.

The free 10 a.m. event will take place at Franklin's Five Points, located downtown at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Main Street.

Following the unveiling, Ken Carpenter’s film adapted from Gentry’s autobiography An American Life will be screened at the Franklin Theatre. The screening is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.