William Benjamin Kent III

“Bill”

May 5, 1935 – September 17, 2021

Bill was born on May 5, 1935, to Madelyn Claire Edam and William Benjamin Kent, Jr., at St. Johns Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. A Catholic, he grew up in Columbus, Ohio where his father was a newspaperman for The Columbus Dispatch.

He received his education at Immaculate Conception grade school St. Thomas Aquinas, taught by the Dominican Fathers and the Ohio State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then served for two years in the United States Army Armored Corps where he rose to the rank of Captain. His tours of duty included the 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division in Korea and Ft. Knox, Kentucky where he met his bride of 50 years, the former Margaret “Peggy” Hart Rapier of Louisville, Kentucky.

Bill and Peggy had four children, Deborah Hart Kent Thomas (Gordon) of Cincinnati, Ohio, William Benjamin “Ben” Kent IV (Kristi), of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office of Orlando, Florida, Lisa Hayden Kent Meyer (Mark), Orange County Public Schools Exceptional Education Placement Specialist of Orlando, Florida and Diane Forbes Kent, loving caregiver of William of Orlando, Florida. They were blessed with nine grandchildren, Megan Meyer, Adam Thomas, Zachary Kent, Grant Meyer, Tanner Kent, Eric Thomas, Luke Thomas, Kent Meyer, and Ryan Thomas.

Dr. Kent graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry in 1966. After a year of internship at Chattahoochee State Hospital, he practiced general dentistry in Orlando for 46 years (1969-2015). A member of the senior staff at Orlando Regional Medical Center, he also belonged to the Dental Society of Greater Orlando, Florida State Dental Society, the American Academy of General Dentistry, and served in many positions and committees over the years. He was active in the Orange County Republican Party and Orange County community affairs.

He was a 3rd degree and charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter #5958 and a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mr. Dora, Florida.

Preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret “Peggy” Hart Rapier and survived by his siblings George “Buzz” Kent, Madelyn “Sis” Smith, Marcie Grealis and Constance “Connie” Riebling.

We will cherish all the writings left behind, including one letter recently found where he said “I feel the love of all those I’ve left behind me, and the joy of seeing those who have gone before me. I will wait, for in time, you too will come. This is not goodbye – just see you later. Love, Dad.” Dad, you were loved by many and will be deeply missed … until we meet again!

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 25 from 6-8PM and the funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 26 at 2:00 PM, both at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park.