Russell L Kent

Russell L. Kent, Ph.D.

Russell L. Kent passed away at his residence on October 8, 2026 while doing what he loved.

Russell was born on September 26, 1951, in Mobile, Alabama, to Captain Stanley and Sara Kent. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, educator, and community leader. Russell lived a life defined by service, dedication, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

He proudly served in the United States Army, beginning his military career in the infantry and retiring in 2011 with the rank of Major after 22 years of service.

A lifelong learner, Russell earned an Associate of Applied Science degree with a major in Biomedical Electronics from Regis College in 1977. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida State University in 1979, followed by a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Alabama in 1982. In 1991, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from Florida State University.

Russell spent many years as a business management consultant for many respected corporations and served as a Professor of Management at Georgia Southern University before retiring for a second time in 2015.

Throughout his life, Russell was actively involved in numerous organizations and causes that reflected his commitment to public service and conservation. He served as chair on the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, and he was a multi-decade leader and ambassador for the Coastal Conservation Association in Houston, TX where he was chair of the National Development Committee and an active member of the National Government Relations Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Ogeechee Riverkeeper. In addition, Russell served on the McIntosh County Board of Education, the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority, the State of Georgia Small Business Administration Advisory Council, Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce, and was a past President of Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County. In recognition of his contributions, Russell received the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award.

Russell thoroughly enjoyed retirement and took great pleasure in working the land where he lived. He loved gardening, hunting, and fishing, and remained dedicated to his work with his tireless efforts to ensure passage of SB420 (HB443) and to aid in the creation of Georgia’s Fishing Future PAC. Many in the recreational fishing community, especially our youth, will have fishing opportunities thanks to Russell’s selfless service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Sara Kent; his close friends Robert and Barbara Fox, who played an important role in raising him; and his beloved dog and faithful companion, Jethro.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Nicki Kent; his son, Brian Kent (Candace); his pride and joy grandson, Hudson Kent; his sisters Teresa (Rodney) Boone and Cheryle Kent (Sherman Putman), his in-laws, Jim, Deborah, and Justin Pollett, his nephews Evan Duffy, Mark Boone, Darrin Boone, and Brad Duffy, and several nieces, nephews, and many cousins from his beloved family homeplaces at Kent Island, Nova Scotia and Vance, AL.

A memorial service celebrating Russell’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Homebuilders Association of Statesboro, 1223 Merchant Way, Statesboro. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour at the same location. In addition, there will be a celebration of life gathering at Shellman Bluff, GA to be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Georgia’s Fishing Future PAC, Inc., at PO Box 2116, Statesboro, GA 30459, or to the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation, designated for the Welding Program, at 1 Joe Kennedy Blvd., Statesboro, GA 30458.

Anderson-Newman Funeral Homes is in charge of the arrangements.