William Albert Kent

Born in the bustling heart of New York City on September 3, 1944, William Albert Kent, known lovingly to many simply as Bill, lived a vibrant and storied life that touched the hearts of everyone he met. Bill passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, at his home in the Bronx at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and kindness that his family and friends will cherish forever.
Bill was truly an intriguing figure, larger than life, a self-proclaimed international man of mystery. It was after one of his adventures to South America, on a detour to the South, that he met his beloved wife Vivian in Knoxville, Tennessee, who would be his devoted partner for 49 years. Together, they built a life rich in love and laughter. Hard workwas second nature to Bill, and he never hesitated to lend a hand where needed. He was patient and generous with his time and resources. Bill was not only kind and funny but also a talented chef who would impress friends and family with his amazing dishes. This hidden talent was quite a surprise to his wife, who for many years didn't know he could even cook!
Bill loved wood working, string art, sculpting and fishing. He was a man who believed in the beauty of simplicity. Whether he was telling a well-loved joke, swaying to the sweet notes of a soul song or casting his line into a serene fishing spot,  Bill found joy in life’s small moments. His laughter was infectious, often filling the room with warmth and joy.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Vivian Kent, and his devoted daughter, Rebecca Kent. Although his son, William Allen, and his dear parents, Jeanne S. Allen and William Kent Sr., predeceased him, their spirit remains etched in his legacy. He was the proud grandfather of William Ensley Allen of Knoxville and the great grandfather of S'Maya Jean Allen, Mylin Willow-Jean Allen and William E. Allen Jr., nephew of his beloved Aunt Gloria Wilder of Palm Coast, Florida and brother-in law, Victor Littlejohn of Knoxville and a host of nieces and cousins and life-long friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at T. Carillo Funeral Service from 4-7pm on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The Kent family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Bill’s generous spirit, infectious laugh, political commentary, wisdom and beautiful voice will be dearly missed. Luckily Rebecca, never without a camera in her hand, preserved her Dad's memory in photos and on film over the years which she'll cherish forever. As a family, with faith in God’s promise, we take comfort in knowing that one day, we will all be reunited again. May Bill, our beloved husband, dad, grandfather, brother and friend, rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. We thank God for his life and for all the lessons this gentle soul has taught us all.
Crossing the Bar

Alfred, Lord Tennyson
1809 –1892
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have cross’d the bar.

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