Lynnwood Maxie Kent

July 7, 2015

On July 4, 2015, following a series of multiple illnesses, Lynnwood Kent, loving husband and father, entered God’s Heavenly Kingdom, leaving a large hole here on earth. A gregarious man with a booming voice, known for his great love of history, antiques, southern architecture, travel and cooking, he made an impression on all who met him.

Lynnwood was born on June 11, 1943, in Pensacola, to M.J. and Avis Foster Kent. He adored his mother, Avis, who taught him to cook and influenced his choice to become a teacher. He graduated from Pensacola High School in 1961 and attended the University of Southern Mississippi, taking a break to live and teach in New Orleans, before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in history and a Master’s Degree in education. He was an educator for 33 plus years in the Escambia County school system, serving as an elementary and middle school teacher, school social worker and elementary principal. He served as principal of Beulah Elementary, West Pensacola Elementary, Longleaf Elementary and McMillian, Judy Andrews and Petree pre-schools. Named Principal of the Year, 1991/1992 by the Escambia County PTA, Lynnwood had a reputation for straight talk, not accepting less than what was best for students and following his conscience regardless of the personal cost. He especially enjoyed working with students with disabilities and welcomed them to his schools with an open heart. Lynnwood left his teaching career when his country called, serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam conflict. He was proud to be a disabled American veteran. Lynnwood also enjoyed helping mold future educators mentoring school social work students and senior seminar classes at UWF as an adjunct instructor.

He met the love of his life, wife Traci, later in life, and they spent 20 wonderful years together. He retired in 1998 to become a stay at home father to their two young daughters. He partnered with his mother-in-law to care for his baby girls and was notorious for running to Nanny’s house when it was time for a diaper change! He enjoyed having little ones at the same time as his adult son, Max. Alexandra and Victoria had many adventures with Daddy while Mom was working. He especially enjoyed being mistaken for their grandfather and seeing the surprise on someone’s face when one of them exclaimed “that’s my Daddy”!

He and Traci shared many hours collecting antiques and studying southern history and architecture, passing an appreciation of these on to their daughters. Lynnwood enjoyed traveling with the three of them around the southern and central United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. However, he took the greatest joy from traveling with them to Spain, where he was stationed in the Navy, and sharing his favorite places with them, including the world’s oldest restaurant.

Once his girls were older, he fulfilled a personal dream when he and Traci purchased a 165 year old antebellum home steeped in southern history. He took great pleasure in restoring, renovating, furnishing and enjoying it. He grew to love the slower pace of small-town life and looked forward to living there full-time with Traci until health issues changed his plans. Always a spiritual man, he drew closer to his Lord and Savior as he grew older, and looked forward to eternal life in His kingdom.

He is survived by his wife Traci; daughters, Alexandra and Victoria; son, Max; and two grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Emerald Coast Hospice, West Florida Hospital and Pat Bailey, widow of Lynnwood’s best friend, Jim C. Bailey, for her months of devoted care.

Visitation will be at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment on Friday, July 10, 2015 from 2 – 4 p.m., with the service to follow at 4 p.m. Pastor Jason B. Adams will be officiating.

He will be interred at Corinth National Cemetery in a private service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Emerald Coast Hospice at 1555 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, Florida, 32501 or to West Pensacola Elementary School through the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, 30 E. Texar Dr., Pensacola, Florida, 32403.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.

Comments

One Response to “Lynnwood Maxie Kent”

  1. Jean Foster Herron on July 9th, 2015 4:18 pm

    I had no idea that Lynn had health problems. Please know that you are in my prayers.

    Jean Foster Herron

Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries