R. Perry Sentell Jr.

Entered into rest on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Doctors Hospital, Prof. R. Perry Sentell Jr. Prof. Sentell, Marion and W. Colquitt Carter Chair in Tort and Insurance Law Emeritus, retired on July 1, 2004, after over 46 years of teaching and service to the University of Georgia’s College of Law.
A prolific scholar, Sentell has published nearly 30 books including: Essays on the Supreme Court of Georgia (2004), The Georgia Supreme Court and Local Government Law: Two Sheets to the Wind (1999), Studies in Georgia Statutory Law (1997), The Georgia Negligence Jury (1995), Tales Out of Trial (1995), A Profile: The People and Practice of Georgia Local Government Law (1995), The Law of Municipal Tort Liability in Georgia (4th ed., 1988) and Studies in Georgia Local Government Law (3d ed., 1977). Some of his articles include: “Local Government Liability Litigation: Numerical Nuances” in the Georgia Law Review (2004), “Local Government Litigation: Some Pivotal Principles” in the Mercer Law Review (2003), “Lightening the Load: In the Georgia Supreme Court” in the Georgia Law Review (2003) and “A Six-Member Civil Jury in Georgia? The Trial Judges Weigh In” in the Mercer Law Review (2002). He has also published an annual “Survey of Local Government Law” in the Mercer Law Review since 1963.
Several generations of lawyers and policymakers in Georgia have looked to Sentell for guidance on matters pertaining to local government law and torts. He has been honored by the Georgia House of Representatives, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and the Georgia Municipal Association for distinguished service to the advancement of legal education. In 1995, he received the Distinguished Service Scroll Award, the highest honor bestowed by the UGA Law School (Alumni) Association. Graduates have selected Sentell eleven times as their class marshal, a distinction given to the law school faculty or staff member whom they most respect.
Sentell earned both his Bachelor’s degree and Law degree from the University of Georgia. He later earned a Master of Laws degree from Harvard University.
As laudable as his professional accomplishments, even more admirable were his unparalleled love and dedication to his family and his sustaining Christian faith. Prof. Sentell was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Jeanette Fennell Sentell. Other family members include their daughter: the late Ruth Ellen Sentell Wilson (Tom); son: Robert Perry Sentell III (Paige); Grandchildren: Dr. Erin Sentell Osteen (Eric), Ellen Paige Sentell, Robert Perry Sentell IV, Robert Jeremy Wilson (Paige), Christopher Perry Wilson (Abby), Jenna Elizabeth Wilson; great-grandchildren: Brady Eric Osteen, Carter Jeremy Wilson, Sam Smith Wilson, and Jack William Wilson. Prof. Sentell was born in Pinehurst, GA to the late R. Perry Sentell, Sr. and Ethel Whitehead Sentell.
A graveside service for immediate family will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park with Rev. John Walker officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Beech Haven Baptist Church: 2390 West Broad St., Athens, GA 30606 or the University of Georgia Foundation for the R. Perry Sentell Jr. Scholarship (7241200) by using the following link: https://t.uga.edu/6F6 .
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com