Andrew J Kent

Andrew Jackson Kent, a family man and the loving husband of Mary Sue Kent, passed away peacefully in his Pinellas Park home on May 14, 2012. He was 87-years-old. He was born in Wedowee, Alabama on September 28, 1924 and spent his formative years there. Drafted into the Army at the age of 18, he served three years in the medical corps before returning home to Alabama. In 1946, with a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face, he set out to woo and win the affections of his childhood sweetheart, Mary Sue Thomas. In 1958, shortly after the birth of his first two children,Andrew James and Bonnie, he packed up his family to begin a new life in Florida.

His ready smile and strong work ethic served him well during his 31 years as a Produce Manager at Winn Dixie. A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and colleague, Andy was also an avid gardener. His heirloom vegetables graced the table of many family dinners throughout the years. He enjoyed fishing, and provided not only the occasional fresh catch, but also amusing stories of the one that got away. Andy was quite fond of gathering up his family and heading out on adventures over the weekend. Many times the family would head out without a destination in mind. With Andy, it was always about the journey.

After his retirement from Winn Dixie in 1987, he enjoyed spending time at home with his wife of 63 years, Mary Sue, and their cherished companion, Trouble. He continued to enjoy gardening in the backyard, caring for his heirloom vegetables. He was a quiet, gentle and humble man to whom family was of the utmost importance.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Sue, his children and their spouses; Andrew, Bonnie and her husband George, Mike and his wife Cathy, and Tim and his wife Margo. His grandchildren and their spouses; Christopher and his wife Kathleen, Kelly, Stephanie, Kelsey, Michael and his wife Joann, James and his wife Missy, and Robert with wife Sarah. His great-grandchildren; Aaron, Jake, Alex, Brandon, Kara, Zack, Kaeleigh, Uriah and Hayden. He was preceded in death by his grandson Jason. Special thanks go out to Dr. Ananthakrishnan and his medical staff for everything they did for Andy after his diagnosis of Leukemia in 2007. They gave us five more wonderful years with Andy – something we are profoundly grateful for.

A private service is being held Friday, May 18th at Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home in Seminole, Florida. In lieu of flowers, send donations to the American Cancer Society. Donations can be provided online at https://www.cancer.org/Involved/Donate/DonateOnlineNow/index or by calling 1-800-227-2345 or mail donations to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Arrangements are being handled by Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, Seminole, FL. Condolences may be offered at www.gardensanctuaryfunerals.com.