Hal Robert Kent

Mr. Hal Robert Kent, age 62, passed away January 31, 2011 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Memorial Services will be held at Williams Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11AM. On January 16 Hal Kent started his bicycle adventure. His goal was to complete the “Southern Tier”, riding from St. Augustine, FL to San Diego, CA. Hal’s story ended tragically and senselessly on January 31, 2011 on Highway 26, at 1:11 pm after being hit by a pick-up. Hal Kent retired as a Warden from the Georgia Department of Corrections after 34-years of service. Hal also retired as a Command Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army. He first joined the army in the 1960’s and completed two tours in Vietnam. He then became a member of the Georgia National Guard and eventually the Army Reserves. Before retiring, Hal was mobilized and stationed at Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC from 2006 to 2008. Hal Kent was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, mentor, and friend. He was an admired man and loved by many. He had a vivacious energy and enjoyed adventures that would add sparkle to his life story. Hal kept a blog and pictures of his “Bike Trip” - blog ( https://sites.google.com/site/halscrosscountryblog/ ) and pictures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/halrkent/5362017524/in/set-72157625503381326/). Please visit as there will no longer be any stories to tell. Hal is survived by his wife, Sherri Kent of Milledgeville, GA; daughter, Jill Kent of Wise, VA; granddaughters, Cara Eskew and Rebecca Eskew; brother, William Kent of Jacksonville, FL and sister, Lee C. Kent of Lakeland, FL. In lieu of flowers, we would like you to donate to autism. Hal volunteered last fall with an autism charity and was truly excited and enthusiastic about the work he had done. Actually, Hal had wanted his bike ride to be a fundraiser for autism. Please include Hal's name with your donation. University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities UF Development Pediatric Center 6271 St, Augustine Rd, Suite 1 Jacksonville, FL 32217 Attn: Jeanie Bowles If you would rather donate to a national organization: Autism Society of America 4340 East West Highway 350 Bethesda, MD 20814

Hal Robert Kent

May 1, 1948 - January 31, 2011