Kent was born on February 2, 1942 in Louisville, KY to the late Charles and Marie Jones. He grew up in Mansfield and Upper Arlington, OH. Kent was a graduate of Ohio State University (B.S.), Oklahoma State University (M.S., Ph.D.), University of Kentucky (M.D.), and University of North Carolina (Surgery Residence). Kent was a General Surgeon with the Jackson Clinic for 30 years retiring in 2010, and he served on the Jackson Clinic Board of Directors. He also served as Chief of Staff at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. He was instrumental in starting the EMT Program at Jackson State Community College.
He was an avid cyclist, getting many others interested in cycling. He helped start "Spokes," a local cycling club, and the annual Bagels and Bluegrass Century Bike Ride which has been going on for 17 years. The event raises funds for JSCC and two of our local state parks. He also rode his bike from the U.S. continental coast to coast (Pacific to Atlantic) twice.
Kent loved the Lord and supported various ministries. He taught men's bible studies at Evangelical Community Church where he was a member and elder. He also served on the Young Life Committee. He had a servant's heart and the gift of mercy. He loved his family and was a good husband, father, and grandfather.
Kent is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret (Peg) Jones; four sons, Michael Jones (Beth), Douglas Jones (Christy), Chris Jones (Laura), Steven Jones (Jennifer); grandchildren, Mary Kathryn (MK), Asher, Wittmer, Samuel, Eric, Margie, Christopher II, Jonah, Noah, Gigi, Luke, Mimi, Zinnia, Lainee, Bryce, Belle, Ian, Collin, and Samantha; two sisters, Mary Cannon of Prattville, AL and Barb Wilhelm of Dublin, OH; and sister-in-law, Pat Jones of Upper Arlington, OH.
The family wishes to thank the helpers who have been wonderful to Kent during his illness are Trish Weis, Al Kozlowski (PT), Emma Belser, Sabrina Lee, Debbie Griggs, and LaVerne Shields.
Funeral arrangements are being conducted by George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Cornerstone Community Church, 730 Pipkin Rd., Jackson, TN. The family will receive friends and loved ones at a visitation from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials in Kent's memory to Young Life, Birth Choice, or Child Evangelism Fellowship.
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