Allan Kent

1935 - 2025

Allan Richard Kent, age 90, passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center on March 17, 2025 surrounded by family.

He was born in Iowa City, Iowa on February 26, 1935 to the late Marcia Tubbesing Kent and J. Howard Kent. Allan moved with his family to Greenville, Mississippi as a young boy. He attended Greenville Public Schools through the tenth grade, and after moving to Columbus, Mississippi, graduated from Lee High School. Allan graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. During College he served two years in the United States Army.

He met Rebecca Jean Rhoden while she was in college at the formerly named Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus. They were married on August 24, 1957. They lived in Greenville and Columbus before moving to Tupelo in 1968 with their children Kevin, Keith and Kathryn. Allan and Rebecca were active and devoted members of Harrisburg Baptist Church where Allan was a Sunday School teacher and deacon and served on numerous church committees throughout the years.

Allan was a farmer who owned and operated a successful hog farm. He was treasurer of the Mississippi Pork Producers Association and a member for many years. He always looked forward to the yearly cook-off during Bulldog weekend. Allan was also a gifted carpenter and built homes around Tupelo, including two of the first homes in the Fairpark development in downtown Tupelo.

Allan loved meeting new people and had a way of making those around him feel special. He always took the time to ask others questions about themselves. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and he never met a stranger. He was a big kidder, a trait he inherited from his mom. He was a competitive card player, using his clever and sometimes tricky skills in order to beat his opponent, and he loved to win. He was an avid Fox news viewer and loved watching Mississippi State Bulldogs play.

Allan is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Rebecca Kent, and his parents.

He is survived by sons Kevin (JoAnne) of Tupelo, Keith (Laura) of Saltillo, and his daughter Kathryn Kent of Tupelo. His grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Pop," are Amanda (Ryan) Berthay of Southaven, Richard (Ashton) Kent of Saltillo, Jacob (Emma) Kent of Memphis, Tennessee, Anna (Jackson) Donald of Tupelo and Rimes Kent of Saltillo.

His great grandchildren are Ava and Griffin Berthay, William and Caroline Kent, Miller Kent, and Maggie and Nora Donald.

Allan is also survived by sisters Marilyn Epperson of Gulf Shores, Alabama and Karlin Wood of Seminole, Florida, numerous nephews, nieces, and their families.

A visitation only will be held at Harrisburg Baptist Church on Sunday April 13, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to Harrisburg Baptist Church, 4675 Cliff Gookin Blvd. Tupelo, Mississippi 38801.