Johnnie Macon Kent Jr.

Johnnie Macon (J.M.) Kent Jr., 96, of Greeleyville, South Carolina, formerly of Lakeland, Georgia passed away at Lake Marion Nursing Facility in Summerton, SC on Monday, September 16, 2024. He was born in Lakeland, Georgia on July 10, 1928 to the late Johnnie Macon Kent Sr. and Fannie Harrell Kent. Mr. Kent served his country proudly in WWII. J.M. was a member of Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He spent his working life constructing and operating asphalt plants in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. He and his wife Valarie owned and operated J and V Garden Center in Lakeland, Georgia prior to their relocation to South Carolina. J.M. and his wife donated plants and flowers to the local schools teaching students how to plant and maintain flowers. He also enjoyed fishing and sharing his stories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, J.M. was preceded in death by his wife Valarie Guthrie Kent, son Larry Johnnie Kent and great- grandson Joshua William Barfield; six sisters and two brothers.
Survivors include: Three daughters, Barbara Miller (Tommy) of Greelyville, S.C., Brenda Bassin (Dennis) of Greelyville, S.C., Pamela Eaddy (Wade) of Sanford, N.C.; Daughter-in-law Debbie Kent of Lakeland GA; sister Evelyn (Richard) Beard; Grandchildren Carol Parker, Gary Barfield (Jeanna), Kent Barfield (Brooke), Johnnie Barfield (Lisa), David Kent, Eric Kent, Bill Miller (Kim), Chip Miller (Melissa), Jason Eaddy (Tessa), Taylor Eaddy (Casie), Sarah Bruton (Ashley) and Margrethe Bassin; 20 Great-grandchildren, 11 Great- Great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 o’clock am on Saturday, September 21, 2024 in the Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in the Guthrie Cemetery in Berrien County, Georgia. Kind words and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com and www.stephensfuneralhome.org .
The Johnnie M. Kent Jr. family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland, Georgia.