Richard Henry Kent Jr.

Memorial services for Richard Henry Kent, Jr., 71, of DeSoto, Texas are scheduled at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. (TBAAL) The Dallas Convention Center Complex - 3309 Canton St. Dallas, TX,. The Honorable Carl O. Sherman will officiate.

Richard "Skipper" was born to the union of Richard Sr. and Charlie Mae (Kent) on April 23, 1944 in Greenville, Texas. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Southern California where he would spend his formative years. A graduate of San Fernando High School, he would later serve his country honorably in the United States Army where he received several commendations and awards for his sharpsmenship. Upon returning home and eager to make a difference in his community he earned his Baccalaureate degree in Pan African Studies from the University of California, Northridge. He went on to acquire a Masters of Public Administration from Pepperdine University and continued to further his education with additional hours in Business Studies from Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

Richard spent the predominance of his career as a Probation Officer with the Los Angeles County Probation Department and retired from the Consumer Affairs department with the State of California Department of Justice.

Exploring his roots, Richard traveled to West Palm Beach, Florida and spent several years with his paternal family. However, California was always home where he would return. Upon retirement he moved to Desoto, Texas to be close to his mother. In his pursuit of happiness, he married three times (Jacqueline, Donna & Denise) however, ultimately finding his joy in bachelorhood. Many knew him as the guy with the canary yellow corvette with a well groomed four-legged best friend, Buttercup occupying the passenger seat. This pair would often cruise the highways from coast to coast.

Anybody that spent any time with him, knew his passions were his grandchildren and the sport of tennis. Given the time, he would have created the next Venus and Serena Williams. He combined his love of travel and tennis; traveling the country competing with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). After receiving a Top 100 National ranking on the Seniors level he engaged in almost a daily schedule with various tennis clubs and associations. A sports enthusiast, Richard recently selected the track and field arena to survey. His only competition last year garnered him a placement medal.

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Henry Kent, Sr., step-father, Aloun Andrews and loyal companion Buttercup.

Richard is survived by his mother, Charlie Mae Andrews; children, Wendy Hodges-Kent of Cedar Hill, TX, Harold Kent of Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Robi Burns of Henderson, NV and Fatisha Murch (Dan) of Sacramento, CA. His grandchildren Brittian Valentine, Brandy Kent, Saniah Kent, Daijah Kent, Ryan Kent, Robert Burns, Alahna Burns, Marcus and Deon Murch. His great-grand children, Carter Kent and Kamden Valentine; his sister, Emily Kent-Street and God-sister, Suzzane Hodge, the Texas Andrews family along with a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and close friends.