Carl H. Rentz

Carl H. Rentz, son of Luke and Grethel Rentz was born on August 7, 1946 in Lake City, Florida, Columbia County. After a brief illness, he answered the Lord's call on Friday, October 11, 2013 at the Lake City VA Medical Center. He was a born again Christian and was a member of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church where he served as the Chairperson of Memorial Gardens. Carl graduated from Richardson High School in 1964 and furthered his education at Madison Junior College and Florida A & M University with a major in Ornamental Horticulture. He served in the United States Army as an ACFT (helicopter) Mechanic and Repairman. While serving his country, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Overseas Bars. He was currently serving as the First Vice Commander of the Disable American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 20 of Lake City. He spent most of his career as a Locomotive Engineer with CSX Transportation, and made history when he became the first African American Locomotive Engineer in North Florida. He retired from CSX in 2008 after 35 years of dedicated service, but remained a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Carl was an energetic, loving, kind and unique individual who never met a stranger. He was full of wisdom and advice. He was unselfish of his time, energy and love to those who needed him in Lake City and surrounding communities. He was an avid outdoorsman, farmer and entrepreneur. He was preceded in death by his father, Luke Rentz; brothers, Ulysses and Daniel Rentz; and daughter, Maya Rentz.
Left to sustain his legacy; his loving and dedicated wife of 40 years, Shirley Fleming-Rentz; mother, Grethel L. Rentz, Lake City, FL; grandfather-in-law, Confessor Rivera, Baxley, GA; son, Jerry Rentz, Lake City, FL; daughter, Angela Rentz, Debary, Florida; son, Richard Anthony Rentz, Eatonville, Fl; daughter, Makeba Murphy (Andrew), Lake City, FL; son, Khalid Rentz (Kristie), Lake City, FL; sisters, Winnie Richardson, Lake City, FL; Eloise Rentz, Waterbury, CT; brother, Herman Rentz, Lake City, FL; uncles, Jimmy (Ruthie) and Willie (Grace) McClendon, Live Oak, FL; brothers-in-law, Ervin (Hattie) and Arthur Fleming, Lake City, FL and Alphonso Fleming (Linda), Minneapolis, MN; sister-in-law, Barbara Fleming, Live Oak, FL; (14) grandchildren; (1) great grandchild; special cousin, Saul Rentz (Delores); long time childhood friend, Hayward McGuire; goddaughters, Ruth Williams, Neesha Watson-Stephens, Sylvia McArthur and Mia Carter; hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Funeral services for Carl H. Rentz will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Christ Central Ministries. 359 SW Dyal Avenue. Lake City, Florida. Lonnie Johns, Pastor. Officiant, Pastor Isadore Williams.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday, October 18, 2013 at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church. 8406 SW CR 242. Lake City, FL.
Arrangements entrusted to COMBS FUNERAL HOME. 292 NE Washington Street. Lake City, FL (386) 752-4366. Marq Combs-Turner, L.F.D. "The Caring Professionals"