Herbert Donald "Don" Kent

Herbert Donald Kent, 85, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 12, while at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, Tennessee. Born on August 15, 1931 in Union County, Mississippi, he graduated from Dumas High School, where he excelled in basketball. After graduation, he left the family farm and began a 42-year career with Frisco and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroads, working in Amory, Mississippi, Birmingham, and Memphis. During his railroad career, he served in several leadership positions, including his election several times as local chairman for the United Transportation Union (UTU).

He touched many lives through his willingness to serve others. While living in the growing Birmingham suburb of Gardendale, he was instrumental in helping to establish the city’s first youth baseball program, which has grown into one of the best youth baseball programs in Alabama. One of the baseball field’s in Gardendale is named in his honor. Mr. Kent was an accomplished golfer, winning numerous tournaments, and served several terms as President of the Amory Golf Club. After retirement, he worked part-time at several Memphis-area golf courses and continued to be an avid golfer, as well as a long-time volunteer for the FedEx St. Jude PGA Classic. He also served as President of the Collierville Farms Homeowners Association, and was well-known for his willingness to help his fellow neighbors. He was an active member of Temple Baptist Church in Olive Branch where he served on the Building Committee. He was a tireless worker for the Church, for many years completing projects and regularly maintaining and improving the grounds. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, November 16 at 11 a.m. at Temple Baptist Church in Olive Branch with Dr. Wade Humphries and Dr. Wesley Stephens officiating. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15 at Brantley Funeral Home in Olive Branch, and also at 10 am until start of the service on Wednesday at Temple Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margie Churchill Kent; three sons, Michael (Cheryl) Kent, Scott Kent, all of Collierville, and Mike Kent of Dumas; four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Wesley) Stephens, Josh Kent, Natasha Kent, and Tara Stewart; many nieces and nephews; six great-grandchildren; and special in-laws Walter and Vecelia Gadd, and their children Amelia (Tom) and Keith. He is preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Sallie Kent, and daughter Marilyn Kent. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Temple Baptist Church.