Obituary of Kerry Michael Pentz

Kerry Michael Tregarthen Pentz, husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2018.

Kerry was known as a man of few words which means when he spoke, we all listened, whether we agreed with what he was saying, or not.   He never made a decision without thinking it through, whether it was to have a second bone marrow transplant or to buy new utensils for the kitchen. 

He was very passionate about a select few things in life:  his wife, daughter, family, cars, guitars and Gamecocks.  He showed his love for each in very different ways but there was never any doubt that these were the things that mattered most.

He was a man defined by his actions, and his life spoke volumes.  He grew up a military brat, moving from place to place and finally settled in Sumter, SC to finish his education.  Once he graduated high school, he joined the United States Air Force and then spent the rest of his career working every day he could, to provide for his family, especially his daughter, whom he raised for many years on his own.

He married his devoted wife in August of 2007, and they spent the rest of his life living every second to its fullest. He never missed an opportunity to point out how truly lucky he was.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Stephanie; grandmother, Gladys Ray; parents, Jim and Millie Ferguson; brother, Russell Pentz (Heather); sister, Tiffany McLean (Mark); nephews, nieces and many other close family and friends.

The family extends their utmost appreciation to the Duke Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, including the 9200 wing of Duke University Hospital and the ABMT Clinic at Duke. There are truly no words to describe how grateful we are for their tireless support and compassionate care of our beloved Kerry.

A visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Rd., Columbia, SC 29209 on Friday, September 21st, from 6pm – 8pm; and a private family funeral on Saturday, September 22nd.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in the following ways:  Kerry loved cats and leaves behind two furry children, Roxie and CC. Donations can be made in his honor to the Humane Society of South Carolina at www.humanesc.org.

The family also plans to purchase a memorial bench to be placed near Kerry’s final resting place so visitors to the cemetery can have quiet place to reflect.  Donations towards this bench can be made by contacting Thompson Funeral Home at  (803) 776-1092 or sending a check to the address above with the memo: Kerry Pentz.