John Kent Young

Mr. John Kent Young, age 70, beloved husband of Kathryn Young, entered into rest on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

He was born in Hattisburg, Mississippi on April 23, 1951 to the late Harper M Young Jr and Julia C Lyles-Young. In his 70 years of life he took on many roles: husband, father, papa, friend, caretaker, educator, fisherman, hunter and most importantly…world-renowned storyteller. He often recalled tales of being so comfortable in the womb that he didn’t want to leave, getting lost in swamps, encountering spirits face-to-face and countless memories of his father whom he adored with a bright intensity. He spoke with a deep and comforting rhythm that could captivate family, friends and new souls in a way that made the entire room feel like home.

He began his life as an outdoorsman at an early age, and the valuable lessons he learned through countless ventures in the forest molded him into the invaluable figure he would become for so many people throughout his lifetime. His ability to connect with his surroundings applied to nature, his career as a businessman, the classroom and the family dinner table.

The greatest connection that Kent made was at 12 years old when he met Kathy. This connection grew into a love strong enough to endure the many hardships that life can bring and branched off into a family that included two beautiful daughters, five grandchildren and relationships that extend beyond bloodlines.

In addition to his wife, Kathryn, he is survived by his daughters Julia Simmons (Danny Ross Simmons) and Heather Joy (Brian Joy); grandchildren Sonny Rodriguez, Adriana Rodriguez, Wyatt Meister, Harper Joy, Grady Joy, Billy Simmons, and Mandy Meister; brother Harper Kyle Young; sister Kathy Hall. The family would also like to mention special friends who he considered adopted family, Johnna Olson, Felicia Tuff, Angelique Stradford-Baji, Margaret Horton and many other students and faculty at Westside High School.

A Celebration of Mr. Young’s Life will be held Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 2:00pm at Platt’s Funeral Home on Belair Road, Rev. Dr. Rufus Copeland officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Westside Highschool for the Kent Young Fund. Address is 1002 Patriots Way, Augusta, Ga, 30907. Checks should be made out to Westside.