Thomas “Tommy” Lynn Sentelle, of Blacksburg, died peacefully at home Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, after a short illness.
Tommy is survived by his wife of 39 years, Margie Grove Sentelle; sons Tommy M. Sentelle of Blacksburg, Stephen Sentelle (and wife Adrienne) of Berkeley, Cali., and Yancey Strickler (and wife Jamie) of New York, N.Y.; and grandson Koji Strickler. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Cooper of Bristol, Tenn. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law, Bud Cooper.
Tommy was born Aug. 15, 1944, in San Francisco, Cali., to Robert “Mac” and Marguerite Sentelle while Daddy Mac was stationed in the U.S. Coast Guard. Tommy grew up in Bristol, Va., where he developed a love for automobiles and repair. He founded The Bug Shop in Blacksburg in 1968 and was the owner/operator until 1985 when he sold the business. Later he founded Axles Etc. from which he retired in 2014.
While Tommy loved his family deeply, his greatest love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. After becoming a believer in 1984, Tommy enjoyed sharing the love of Christ and the hope of eternity with others. Tommy loved attending church services and hearing the gospel message at his home church, Bethesda House of Mercy, Floyd, Va.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan., 17, 2026, at McCoy Funeral Home, Country Club Dr., Blacksburg.
