Bobby Jack Kent

BOBBY JACK KENT, 61, of Paris, passed away suddenly Saturday October 1, 2011 at Baylor Medical Center of Carrollton. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday October 5, 2011 in the chapel of Starrett Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Fortenberry officiating. Private interment will follow in Meadowbrook Gardens.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.

Bobby was born May 31, 1950 in Paris, a son of Leslie and Mary Aubrey Kent. He was a graduate of Paris High School, and was of the Baptist faith. For over twenty years Bobby was owner and President of Kent Construction, and former owner of Kent Paint and Wallpaper. He considered his work for his customers a tremendous obligation, and he was determined to provide quality work for everyone who called upon him. His integrity and work ethic extended far beyond the job, however, and he considered it his primary task to provide well for his family and friends. He had a great love for children, and the Kent home was often the place of refuge for children who did not share his last name. When he was needed by his friends, he was there. It was said that if every husband was like Bobby, the divorce courts would be idle. He had a great love of sports, whether participating, coaching, or attending the events. Among his greatest joys were sitting in the bleachers and encouraging his team to victory. An enthusiast for most every sport, he loved to hunt, and held a Black Belt in Karate. His family and friends knew him as a wonderful and loving provider, and a Master of the BBQ grill. It was common for friends to call and invite themselves over to share his cooking. In a nutshellBobby was more concerned with the care and good of others over himself.

He married Deborah Sue Stroud on January 31, 1969 in Paris.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Kent and Michael Kent.

Survivors include his wife Debbie, of the home; two daughters, Christy Caldwell and Holley Tyler, both of Carrollton; two grandchildren, Serena and Mikayla; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends whom he considered his family.

His Honorary Pallbearers are his coffee buddies from McKee's, his friends at Paris Lumber and Sly Woodworks, and his contracting crew.