William "Bill" Kent

Bill Kent, 71, of Kilgore, TX passed away on July 19, 2014 at a hospital in Tyler. He was born on January 26, 1943 in Oakland, CA and was raised by his grandparents, Byron and Lela Mae Walker. He was raised to be a cowboy. He was a bull rider and travelled the rodeo circuit in his early years, and always was around and working on ranches and running cows. His true passion was fishing, he was able to fish tournaments every now and then, but anytime he was able to, he was on the water with a hook in it.

He was also a talented musician. He could pick a guitar and sing with the best of them.

He is survived by: daughter-Kim Kent of Kilgore; son-Ed Kent of Kilgore; daughter- Kelly Stracener and her husband Bobby of Beebe, Arkansas; ten grandchildren; one great grandchild; son-in-law: Brian Grier of Beebe, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his mother and step-father: George and Billie Connelley; daughter-Treasure Lea Grier; cousin: Phyllis “Sissy” Hamilton; and his grandparents that raised him: Byron and Lela Mae Walker.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at the Chapel of the Lakeview Funeral Home, Longview, Texas with Pastor Mike Morrow officiating. His last trail ride will take him to Lakeview Memorial Gardens where he will be placed in the mausoleum.