Robert Kent Saunders (1963-2011)

 
 

Kent was born at Tyndall AB, Fla., on Jan. 10, 1963. He was the son of Harriet Bodiford-Jernigan and John Jernigan of Panama City, Fla., and Robert and Leslie Saunders of Tampa, Fla.

He is survived by his sister, Tracy Aguilar of Asheville, N.C.; brother, Craig Scurato of Kansas City, Mo.; and a stepson, Chanse Myers and his mother, Catherine.

Kent attended Cherry Street Elementary School and Rosenwald Middle School in Panama City, Fla., and graduated from Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Fla., in 1981 where he excelled in baseball and track. Kent was offered scholarships but opted to join the Marine Corps. At his completion of basic training in Parris Island, he was selected as the Platoon Honorman. Kent spent 1981-1987 in the Corps where after Parris Island he attended and graduated from the Advanced Infantry School in 29 Palms, Calif. He did tours in Okinawa and Korea. While in Korea, on two occasions he took part in Operation Team Spirit with the South Korean Marines. Operation Team Spirit was an exercise to prepare to defend against a North Korean Invasion.

Kent received numerous commendations during his service in the Marine Corps and he will always be a Marine. Kent received his Associates Degree from Gulf Coast Community College and attended Florida State University. He was the owner of a Medical Billing Service. Kent was a member of St. John's the Evangelist Catholic Church of Panama City. He was known as a generous person and he always had time to help those less fortunate.

Kent's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Sacred Heart for their dedication to Kent during his illness. And Covenant Hospice for being with him and their support of him during his final struggle. He never gave up the fight, he will always be a Marine.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sacred Heart Hospital, 7800 U.S. Hwy 98 W., Miramar, FL 32550, or Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th St., Panama City, FL 32405.