Rex David Kent

Rex David Kent entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on July 8, 2026. His life was a beautiful reflection of unwavering faith, humble service, and steadfast love for God, his family, and everyone blessed to know him.

Born on November 6, 1931, in Millen, Georgia, Rex was the beloved son of the late George and Bonnie Hall Kent. As the youngest of eleven children, he grew up surrounded by a large, loving family that instilled in him the values of hard work, humility, and kindness that would define his life. Tragically, Rex lost his mother when he was still a young boy, a loss that remained with him throughout his life. Yet his unwavering Christian faith gave him the assurance that they would one day be reunited, and in his later years, he often looked forward with joyful anticipation to seeing her again in heaven. At the age of eleven, he moved to Savannah to live with one of his sisters, and just a year later, he demonstrated remarkable independence by traveling alone by train from Georgia to California. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1950 before pursuing higher education at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1956.

Following graduation, Rex began his career with Halliburton, working on an offshore oil rig before being drafted into the United States Army. He served his country honorably for two years, after which he returned to the oil industry, working on another offshore rig in Louisiana.

In 1961, Rex and his family made Warner Robins their home, where he began what would become a distinguished 33-year career as an Industrial Engineer in the civil service at Robins Air Force Base. His dedication, integrity, and quiet professionalism earned the admiration and respect of his colleagues throughout his career. Following his retirement, Rex remained active by working part-time with Procter & Gamble and assisting with grocery merchandising resets.

Faith was the cornerstone of Rex's life. A devoted member of Central Baptist Church, he faithfully served the Lord in countless ways over the years. He joyfully sang in the church choir and looked forward each year to participating in the beloved Christmas Tree program. He served as a deacon for many years, volunteered in the church nursery, faithfully maintained attendance records for the sixth-grade Sunday School class, and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever there was a need. His servant's heart extended beyond the walls of the church as he also volunteered at the Christian Service Center Food Bank, quietly serving others without seeking recognition.

Rex found great satisfaction in working with his hands. An accomplished woodworker, he crafted beautiful porch swings, birdhouses, and countless other projects for family and friends. If something was broken, he was usually the one who could fix it. One of his most treasured creations was the playset he lovingly built for his grandchildren—a gift that brought years of laughter and cherished memories.

Even in his later years, Rex continued to inspire those around him. At the remarkable age of ninety-three, he became a published author when his daughter lovingly compiled his handwritten recollections into the book Memories of a Georgia Farmboy, preserving his stories and family history for generations to come. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and stands as a lasting testament to a life well lived.

Above all else, Rex was a devoted family man. Becoming "Papa"—or affectionately, "Papa Kent"—was one of his life's greatest joys. He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren and loved nothing more than being surrounded by his family. His gentle nature made him a calming presence in every room. He was known for his patience, compassion, generosity, and unwavering kindness. It was nearly impossible to see Rex become angry or upset; instead, he met life's challenges with grace, wisdom, and a peaceful spirit that put others at ease. Though he was one of eleven siblings, he often remarked that they never fought—a reflection of the love and respect that bound their family together.

Rex leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, humility, and unconditional love. His quiet example influenced countless lives, and the kindness he freely shared will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, church family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, Rex was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Verdna Parler Kent; and siblings, Lillian Kent Harrison (John), Bruce Kent (Mildred), Ida Kent Davis (Mark), George Kent, Jr. (Frances), Edna Kent Walea (Pete), Tyrus Kent (Louise), Joseph Kent, Remus Kent (Jean), and Rufus Kent.

His memory will forever be treasured by his son, Ronnie Kent (Alline) and daughters Carla Simerly and Alison Wheeler (Charles); grandchildren, Amanda Eason (Will), Matt Simerly, Lauren Johnson (Will), Ronnie Kent, Jr., Scotty Kent (Michelle), Seth Wheeler, Zach Wheeler (Bethany), Rebekah Reid (Rusty), and Sarah Mozingo (Alex); great-grandchildren, Emery Eason, Selah Eason, Michaela Johnson, Parker Johnson, Colt Kent, Analisa Kent, Florence Wheeler, and Mikenna Reid.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home, with a funeral service following in the chapel. Afterward, Rex will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Rex to The REACH Campaign at Central Baptist Church by visiting https://www.centralwr.com/reach-give .

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.