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Bobby studied engineering at BC from 1956 to 1958 before beginning
a long career in agriculture. He worked from 1966 to 1982 as manager
of agricultural operations for Meadow Farm in Caroline County, Virginia,
where Triple Crown winner Secretariat, one of the greatest racehorses
of all time, was born and raised. In fact, in 2010 Bobby contributed and
was featured in the book
Secretariat’s Meadow: The Land, the Family,
the Legend
, which presents the little known story of Meadow Farm, the
place where the Virginia-born thoroughbred stallion grew into a legend.
Joyce studied religion at BC, also from 1956 to 1958. She spent her career
working in churches and public school systems. She also served her
alma mater as an officer on the Alumni Council. Both she and Bobby are
charter members of the BC Golden Graduate Society and are retired.
“I appreciate Joyce and Tex for opening their home and the hospitality
given to our alumni all these years,” said alumna Sharon Knick (‘72),
who originally met Joyce serving on the BC Alumni Council. “I loved
attending the reunions, because it was so interesting to hear stories of
their days at Bluefield. They also enjoyed our sharing, as well. I have so
many fond memories.”
Alumnus and new BC alumni director Josh Grubb (‘07), who attended
his first Gentry reunion in the summer of 2016 with his family, said his
kids enjoyed the tractor rides and the farm tour. Most of all, he said he
admires the dedication of the Gentrys and those who were faithful to
attend the event over the past 30 years.
“I really enjoyed the rich tradition that this group of alumni created over
the past few decades,” said Grubb. “It takes hard work to get together
with friends for that many years, and they certainly put in the work. I
have a group of classmates and friends who share a bond through BC,
and I just hope that we will carry on a tradition like the Gentrys. We
appreciate Bobby and Joyce and the hard work they put in to this event
each year. Many fond memories have been formed at the Gentry farm.”
Now 88 (Bobby) and 80 (Joyce) years of age, the Gentrys will no longer
host the Charlottesville gathering, but instead pass the torch to alumna
Peggy Emert Bickford (’71) and her husband, Steve, an honorary BC
alumnus, who will begin hosting the reunion at their home in
New Canton, Virginia, on July 15, 2017.
“We were so impressed with the Gentrys’ hospitality. They
always made everyone feel so welcomed,” said Peggy. “We
decided to begin hosting this gathering out of respect for the
tradition and wanting to see the event continue and because of
the love we have for Bluefield College and our fellow alumni.”
The Bickfords home in New Canton is centrally located in
Virginia, which they say they hope draws additional alumni
to “come out to the country and enjoy time together.” The
event at the Bickfords will include a meal, fellowship, a short
tour of a 1926 Rosenwald Schoolhouse on their property, and
an update on BC.
“Most importantly, we want everyone to enjoy themselves
in a very casual atmosphere,” said Peggy. “We are looking
forward to seeing old friends, making new ones, sharing
memories of days spent at BC, and continuing the tradition
established by Mr. and Mrs. Gentry 30 years ago.”
Grubb said he’s thankful the Bickfords have agreed to carry on
the Charlottesville reunion tradition. He and many others are
looking forward to more years of reminiscing with the group.
“As this meeting place comes to an end, a new tradition
begins at Peggy and Steve’s house,” said Meador. “I have
missed very few of the picnics, and I intend to keep sharing in
this rich tradition. See you in July friends.”
Alumnus Bobby
Gentry (‘58)
makes a batch of
his homemade
peach ice cream, a
popular tradition
from the alumni
reunions at the
Gentry Farm.
Alumni Bobby (far right) and Joyce Mullikin (far left) Gentry pass the 30-year
tradition of hosting Central Virginia alumni reunions to alumna Peggy Emert
Bickford (left) and her husband, Steve (right), an honorary alumnus.