Walter Lee Kent

Walter Lee Kent, 87, of Lenoir, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord on November 30, 2023. He spent his last two weeks at home surrounded by family and loved ones with hospice care from Amorem. He was born May 5, 1936 to the late William and Louise Kent in Caldwell County. He was one of four siblings; William Louis Kent, Cornelia Ann Kent and Charles Thomas Kent. He married Joyce Buchanan Kent in 1961. They celebrated their 62nd Wedding Anniversary on November 25th, 2023. Joyce still upholds his legacy and unwavering love.

Walter graduated from Lenoir High School before joining the U.S. Marine Corps for 4 years. He lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for 14 years before returning home with his family and spending the next 48 years in Lenoir. Walter served as a deacon, taught Sunday School, worked with youth, and always gave the elderly ladies a warm hug while a member of College Avenue Baptist Church. He served as a supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service until he retired. Retirement, he would say, was the best time of his life.

An active member of the Carolina Bird Club, Walter loved nature, especially wildflowers and birds. He took his camera everywhere he went and shared his nature photos with everyone he met. He spent the majority of his retirement exploring. His favorite places were the Outer Banks; Cades Cove, Tennessee; John’s River Wetlands; the Blue Ridge Parkway; Upper Creek Falls; and the mountains of Madison County where his daughter Janet and her partner Dave live.

Walter will be remembered for his sense of humor, wit, caring nature, grateful attitude, and generosity. Along with his passion for nature, he was an avid reader.

Walter is remembered by his loving and dedicated wife, Joyce Buchanan Kent, his three devoted children and their families: Michael Kent and his wife Martina Kent, Elizabeth (Beth) Stamper and her husband Kenneth Stamper, Janet Kent and her partner David Meesters, granddaughters Lindsey Kent, Sunny Stamper Barrett and her husband Brody Barrett, and Lily Stamper Smith and her husband Justus Smith. A service will be held at Evans Funeral Home in Lenoir, NC. Please join the family in celebrating the life of Walter Kent on Saturday December 16th at 11:00 am.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Walter Lee Kent.