G. Michael Kent, Jr.

G. Michael Kent, 55, of Clayton, North Carolina, passed away on August 15, 2025, leaving a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love. Born on November 18, 1969, in Lawton, OK, Michael—devoted husband, father, son, brother, granddaddy, and friend—spent nearly three decades as a dedicated recruiter, most recently leading IBM’s US Technology Sales Talent Acquisition team.

Family, friends spanning the globe from his “Army brat” upbringing, and colleagues will remember his warmth, humor, generosity, and infectious passion for family, his true pride and joy., Michael was a wonderful husband to his loving wife, Loren Fleischer Kent, for over 24 years, father to Danyelle Kent Robinson and Redick Kent, proud granddaddy to Sadia, a cherished son of Vicki J. Brooker, loving brother to Karen Long, loved obsessively by his orange cat Cookie, and a dear friend to many.

More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, whether it was with his mom and her friends on the beach in Hawaii when he was young, celebrating the achievements of his children Redick and Danyelle, cheering them on at ballfields and track meets alike, sneaking cookies to his granddaughter, laughing at Fleischer family dinners, or enjoying fun-filled getaways with The Longs. And from quiet moments with his father on the dock at his home in Georgia, to get-togethers with extended family, traveling to Germany with his wife and son, enjoying baseball games—especially for his Houston Astros—or rocking out at music festivals, Michael made every moment count.

Michael’s fun-loving nature, loyal spirit, and big-hearted nature touched everyone he met. He was the kind of friend you could always count on: genuine, protective, and a “burnt marshmallow” with a tough exterior and a soft center.

He was preceded in death by his father Grover Michael Kent, Mr. and Mrs. Grover Cleveland Kent, grandfather Scott Hood and grandmother June “Memo” Gilligan. Michael is survived by wife Loren Fleischer Kent, children Danyelle Kent-Robinson, Redick Kent, granddaughter Sadia, sister and brother-in law Karen and Rick Long, nieces Mackenzie and Mia, nephews Christian and Clay, mother and father-in-law, Michele and Allen Fleischer, brother and sister in-law Scott and Jennifer Fleischer, nieces Ashlynn Garrett and Angelina Fleischer, and all those who loved Michael.

A memorial service will be held 4:00 PM Sunday, August 24, 2025 in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton, North Carolina, with a visitation to follow. The service will be livestreamed at: https://McLaurin-Funeral-Home-and-Pinecrest-Memorial-Park.livecontrol.tv/8722d8ea

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Turn Two for Youth or Red Barn Rescue of Clayton. The family would like to thank everyone who honored Michael Kent's passing with acts of love, kind words, food, donations, and other support.

Michael lived by the words on his favorite hoodie: “You are enough. Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it. Love, the person in front of you.” So, hug your loved ones—and raise a glass to Michael.