Arthur L. Kent

FLORENCE | Arthur Lawrence Kent, 88, Florence, January 26, 2009.

Art Kent was born on July 2, 1920, in New York City of German immigrant parents Lawrence Kronenberger and Katherine Schmidt. He resided in the Bronx, New York City, until his graduation from Columbia University in 1941.

He served his country with the U.S. Army Air Corps. in World War II, from 1942 - 1945. Upon discharge from the Army, he married Miss Helen Elizabeth Carr of Columbia, whom he met while stationed at Fort Jackson. The couple then moved to New York while Art completed his Masters in Music Education from Columbia in 1951.

A 35 year career in the world of music followed. Living in New York City and Nashville, Tenn., he wrote songs that were recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Eydie Gorme, Steve Lawrence, and others. Perhaps his best known composition was ''End of the World'' recorded and released in 1962 by the late Skeeter Davis. He was a longtime member of American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Art and Helen moved to North Myrtle Beach in the 1980's. He was a member of Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, where he was active in the choir. An accomplished pianist and organist, he also accompanied community concerts and local theatre productions.

Art is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Helen Elizabeth Carr Kent, now residing in Florence, at Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee. Also survived by daughters, Cindy Kent of North Myrtle Beach, and Karen Kent of Floyd, Virginia; and granddaughters, Sierra Kent of Perkinsville, Vermont, and Coral Kent-Dennis of Marlboro, Vermont.

A Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2009 in Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach.

Please sign a guest book at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation to the Coastal SC Chapter of American Red Cross, 2795 Pampas Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 be considered.

Lee Funeral Home of Little River/N. Myrtle Beach is serving the family.