Charles was born in Blount County, AL on Oct. 11, 1943. He moved to Lakeland from Alabama in 1949. He attended Highland City First Free Will Baptist Church, and enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Edna Kent; and his brother, James Kent. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Betty Kent; sons, Allen and Gary Kent; brothers, Garland, Richard, Tom and Henry Kent; sisters, Katie Joyner and Louella Wallace; grandchildren, Autumn, Abbie and Zachary Kent.