After living a happy and blessed life of over 91 years, Kent left us on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 and graduated to his heavenly home. He was born in Chicago on Nov. 18, 1922 to Howard Kenworthy Hall, Sr. and Maude Whiddon Hall. After being orphaned at an early age, he was raised by his loving grandparents, Alfred and Jennie Camp Whiddon. Kent grew up in Dothan, graduated from high school there and attended the University of Alabama. Kent proudly served in the Army Air Corps, receiving a disability discharge.
Kent was later employed by Delta Air Lines as city traffic manager. Kent and his first wife, Isabel, moved to Panama City in 1945, where he was employed by Chavers Fowhand and Fowhand Furniture stores. In 1954, he was given the opportunity to buy Imperial Furniture, which Kent and his son Randy managed for over 47 years.
Kent was a founding member of the Downtown Improvement Board, president of the Downtown Rotary Club, and was honored as a Paul Harris fellow. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for 65 years where he served as a Stephen Minister, and was President of the Alabama West Florida Methodist Foundation. Kent was also an active member of the Emmaus community.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Isabel Sanders Hall, and is survived by his second wife, Judy Hamill Hall; his son and best friend, Randy Hall (Myra); step daughters, Amy Soverow (Longin), Allison Posell (Steve); nieces, Margaret Blanton (Louie), Donna Gobel (David); nephew, Sandy Sanders (Debbie); and cousins, Bob Whiddon (Cindy,) Jane Harrison (Douglas,) Chartlon Harrison.
Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Community Life Center gathering area. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
Active pallbearers are Henry Hooks, Lavoy Anderson, Tommy St Amant, Dick Britt, Gary Huff, Mike Calidonna and Robert Fleming. Special honorary pallbearers are Ellis Fowhand, Dick Bruhn, Creshull Harrison and Jim Fulton and honorary pallbearers are the Lillie Pennington Sunday School class, the Wednesday afternoon small group, the Giggle Golf Group and former employees of Imperial Furniture.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church Community Life Center, PO Box 248, Panama City FL 32402, or to the charity of your choice, in memory of Kent Hall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Randy and family, I'm so sorry to read of your fathers passing. I thought he was one of the finest men I ever met. I have retired and returned home to Ohio but I always remember Imperial Furniture and all of you.
Janet Merchent
October 29, 2014
God has taken a great one from us to be with him. Your mountain family (Suzie, Sydney, Spurrier, and I) miss you but know you are in a better place. Judy and Randy you are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts.
Robert Sinclair
October 27, 2014
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I loved playing golf with him at our Sunday Giggle group at PCC. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.
Margaret Nealon, Simpsonville, S.C.
October 27, 2014
Randy, and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he was your "best friend" and you gave him so much love and care during his illness. Prayers are with you.
Jane Seale Potter
October 26, 2014
Dear Randy & Family
So sorry to hear of your loss.
My memories if Mr. Hall run deep. He was a wonderful man and I know he will be missed.
Brenda Dexter-Woodyard
October 26, 2014
Randy so sorry to here about your Dad. He was a wonderful man and so good to our family when my Dad, Colon Luther passed away. My prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Betty Anne McDonald Stringfellow
October 25, 2014
Randy, I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a wonderful man. May God bless you and your family.
Cindy Webster
October 25, 2014
Randy and family,
We are so sorry to read about Kent's passing. We were fortunate to be well cared for at Imperial Furniture and even more blessed to have known him.
Pete and sue Elliott
October 25, 2014
Kent was family and THE sweetest man I have ever known. I loved him so much! I know he is dancing around heaven and hugging everyone!
Jeannie Wager Baughman
October 25, 2014
Judy so sorry to read of Kent's death. Just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Peggy Waters
October 25, 2014
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