Following a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, William Kenneth “Kent” Etheridge passed away on June 17, 2015 in Surprise, Arizona, at the age of 67. Kent was born on January 11, 1948 in Hassell, NC, to William Jennings Etheridge and Lois Everett Etheridge. The oldest of three children, he grew up in Gold Point and attended Robersonville High School. He then attended North Carolina State University until receiving his commission from the United States Army, where he spent 20 years as a counterintelligence officer. Kent married Debbie Gillett on December 21, 1985. He retired from the Army in 1991, shortly following the birth of his son. They settled in Boone, NC, where Kent spent 18 years as a nursing home administrator until his retirement in 2009. He took a few fun jobs until he and Debbie moved to Sun City West, AZ, in 2012 to enjoy their retirement. Kent was a family man and a third degree Mason who loved history, woodworking, and clocks. Shortly after moving to Arizona, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He forever remained a brave soul and carried a positive attitude, fighting tooth and nail against the disease, even throughout his final weeks. He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity to all. Kent is survived by his wife, as well as his son, Bryan Etheridge, and his siblings, Edwin E. Etheridge and Donna R. Etheridge. He is preceded in death by his parents and a stillborn daughter, Laura Elizabeth. Kent requested to be cremated. The celebration of life ceremony for Kent will be on Saturday, August 22 at 1:00 pm at Gold Point Christian Church, 20201 NC-903 Robersonville, NC. A Masonic rite graveside service will immediately follow in Hamilton, NC, a short drive from the church. In lieu of flowers, Kent requested any donations go to the Gold Point Christian Church, P O Box 758, Robersonville, NC 27871.