Lewis Kent Carter

Lewis K. Carter (Kent), 76, from Kents Store, VA passed away on January 9, 2024.

Kent was predeceased by his parents Merrill L. Carter and Martha (Kent) Bruce, Stepfather Thomas E. Bruce, Jr., and Brother-in- Law Terry W. Hawkins.

Kent is survived by his wife Susan (Hawkins) of 54 years, daughters Wendy Custer (Jerry) of Kents Store, VA and Kelly Sadler (Matthew) of Palmyra, VA, and grandchildren, Carter Hammond (Olivia), Renee Hartzog (Zachary), Trevor Hammond, Alden Custer, Desmond Sadler, and Stewart Sadler, and great grandchildren Madelyn and Charlotte Hammond.  Also, sister-in-law Diane Houchens (Charlie) of Ruckersville, VA and sister-in-law Kathy Hawkins of Charlottesville, VA, along with nieces and nephews.

Born in Arlington, VA, he attended Scottsville Elementary and High Schools, graduating from Fork Union Military Academy where he played basketball and baseball.  Kent enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard in 1968 and after graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1972, went on to serve throughout the Commonwealth on active duty, holding the positions of Platoon and Company Commander, Battalion, Brigade, and Division Staff Officer, Battalion Commander, and State Assistant Chief of Staff, until he retired at the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1999. After that time, he served as the Executive Director for the Virginia Army National Guard Foundation and as a Fork Union Military Academy Trustee and Alumni Board member.

After retiring, Kent loved fishing, golfing, and doing household projects around his home, as well as helping with other family projects. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s games and activities as well as encouraging their love of golf, fishing, basketball, military and many other interests.  He was a friend to many, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.

As a man of faith, Kent enjoyed sharing his love of Christ and using his gifts as he served as Deacon and Sunday school teacher as well as on the Building and Grounds Committee. He enjoyed studying the Bible, and since moving to Kents Store, was a member of Beulah Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 22 at 10:00am at Beulah Baptist Church, 1633 Kents Store Way, Kents Store, Virginia with a graveside at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Rd., Amelia Court House, Virginia at 2:00pm. The family night will be held at Sheridan Funeral Home on Sunday, January 21, between the hours of 4-6pm.

In lieu of flowers donations in Kent’s memory may be made to The ALS Association, Richmond, VA, Beulah Baptist Church, Kents Store, VA or Fork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, VA.