Thomas Everett Kent lll

A Tribute to A Life Well Lived
In the realm where time's tapestry weaves,
Amidst the symphony of life's fleeting eaves,
We bid farewell to a soul of grand design,
Thomas Everett Kent III, a name that shall shine.

Known to kin and kindred as Tom, a cherished guide,
He traversed the mortal coil with grace personified.
With every step, his purpose true and clear,
Always focused on his path, devoid of fear.

A beacon of compassion in a world of strife,
Tom's heart overflowed, enriching countless lives.
He lent a helping hand without a single complaint,
Embracing the challenges, his spirit resolute, unfeigned.

In the realm of intellect, he found his place,

A scholar of distinction, his mind a boundless space.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute bore witness to his quest,
Mastering the sciences, where brilliance found its nest.

From the hallowed halls of Culpeper High,
To the Marine Corps, where valor would amplify,
Tom's military service, a testament to his mettle,
His duty fulfilled with honor, never to settle.

Stress analysis and research engineering his domain,
The USDA found in him a mind untamed.
Vice President of Engineering, a title of esteem,
In Tehran's foreign lands, he pursued his dream.

From the fall of governments to the banks of the Nile,
Tom's expertise in construction stretched many a mile.
Pakistan’s Mardan Salinity Project and Jordan's Talal Dam,
His engineering prowess, admired as a grand slam.

Yet amidst the worldly pursuits that he embraced,
Tom's spirit found solace, in faith's gentle embrace.
Christ Episcopal Church, where his soul found rest,
A sanctuary of devotion, in Greenville's warm breast.

Beyond the realms of work and devotion,
Tom sought solace in the seas endless motion.
Sailing the waves, he found tranquility's embrace,
A momentary respite from life's relentless chase.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man,
Let us honor his memory with a helping hand.
Contributions, a tribute to his benevolent soul,
Meals on Wheels, where compassion takes its toll.

Oh, Thomas Everett Kent III, your light shines bright,
A life well-lived, a beacon in the darkest night.
May your legacy endure, a tapestry of grace,
In the hearts of those you touched, time cannot erase.

Tom was a loving husband to Katie Kent, a proud father to Tim Kent, Tess Whitlock, and Tom Kent IV, and a cherished grandfather to Brandon Kent, Laura Kent, Daniel Whitlock, Logan Whitlock, and Andrew Whitlock. He is also survived by granddaughter-in-law Melina Whitlock, his sister, Roberta Woolridge, and his great grandchildren, Jace Whitlock, and Luna Rae Whitlock. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna Marie Kent, and Dorcas Bell Kent, and his sister Cynthia Massie.
A ceremony will be held to honor Tom's life and the legacy on Friday October 20 at 2:00 PM, at Christ Episcopal Church in Greenville, South Carolina. In lieu of floral tributes, the family kindly requests contributions be made to Meals on Wheels, an organization that resonated deeply with Tom's compassionate spirit, or the Episcopal Church, where he drew strength from the collective ardor of a community bound by love and shared beliefs.