Celebrating the life of Samuel Davis Kent Jr.

Sam Kent, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia. Sam was preceded in death three short months ago by his wife, Barbara Torrence Kent. He is survived by his daughter, Anne Kent Love, and her husband, Dennis, of Tybee Island, Georgia; his son, S. Davis Kent III, and his wife, Tammy, of Yorba Linda, California; three granddaughters, two grandsons and five great-grandchildren.

Born on March 16, 1932, Sam was the son of Samuel and Mildred Moir Kent. He grew up in Danville, Virginia, where he met his high school sweetheart, Barbara, to whom he was married for nearly 70 years. They raised their family in Roanoke, Virginia, and built a life together focused on family, service, and lifelong learning. They moved to Jasper, GA in 2001 to be closer to Anne and her family and then followed Anne and Dennis to Savannah in 2021.

Sam proudly served his country as a military policeman in the United States Army. After his service, he graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in electrical engineering, a field that matched his natural curiosity and interest in understanding how things worked. Outside of his career spent with General Electric, Sam had many hobbies and loved hands-on projects, especially those shared with his son, Davis. He was an avid Ham Radio operator and loved connecting with people everywhere. He and Barbara enjoyed flipping houses together and traveling the world. He remarkably visited all seven continents.

Sam and Barbara were deeply involved in their church and later their community at Bent Tree in Jasper, Georgia. Sam volunteered as a firefighter with the Bent Tree Fire Department, answering calls at all hours of the night and helping countless people in times of need. He also volunteered at The Community Thrift Store in Jasper, where he became affectionately known as the “Shoe Man” for his dedication to organizing and caring for the shoe aisle. Sam was a devoted grandfather, and his grandchildren will miss how he always made them laugh.

Sam will be remembered for his dedication to family, service to others, sense of humor, and lifelong curiosity. He will be deeply missed, but his family and friends are comforted knowing that he is thrilled to be reunited with Barbara. Donations may be made to The Hope Lodge in Decatur, GA or Hospice Savannah. His family will gather privately to honor his life.