MICHAEL KENT ARCHER
Retired employee for 43 years at Eastman Chemical Co., and Reserve Officer Sargent with Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Michael (Kent) Archer, 65, of Limestone, TN was promoted to his Heavenly Home on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at the Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Melody Archer; two children: Magan Snell and husband Gabe; Camilla Archer; Two grandchildren: Caden Bellamy Snell and Elora Nichole Snell; Three brothers: Stephen Archer (Lyla): John Archer (Barbara); Joseph Archer (Judy); One sister: Lisa Archer; Eight nieces and nephews.
Kent was born on July 25, 1956, to Edwin and Wilma Archer of Limestone, TN who preceded him in death. Kent came to faith in Christ through Vacation Bible School at the Telford Grace Brethren Church at a young age. Kent’s early years were spent working on the family farm baling hay and tending cattle. He was an exceptional athlete in basketball at Sulphur Springs Elementary School and at Daniel Boone High School. He was also a starting baseball pitcher for Daniel Boone High School. Kent was an aviation enthusiast and enjoyed attending air shows. He loved motorcycles and taking Melody along for a ride. He was a NASCAR racing fan, and later with the WCSO, had the opportunity to attend many races as a reserve officer.
In previous years, he was a faithful deacon. Over the last decade he served as a leader on the security team at Tri"Cities Baptist Church. His love of Christian music was evident as he sang in various churches and could play most any instrument, but his favorite was playing his left-handed guitar.
Everyone knew Kent as a big tease; always competitive, even with his daughters. He would never let them win at any game, but always took the time to have fun and instill in them how to be their best. And they loved him for it. One special joy of his life was being a granddaddy! He was also a man with a tender heart. At a family Thanksgiving dinner he testified, with many tears, how grateful he was for all that God had given him. And now in heaven, he can thank the Lord face to face.
Funeral services will be conducted 7:00 PM, Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor/Elder David Brewer officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm Saturday prior to the service.
Interment services will be conducted 2:00 PM, Sunday, November 7, 2021, at Grace Brethren Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Stephen Archer, John Archer, Joseph Archer, Douglas Hales, Albert “Bo” Johnson, Joe Cronin, Brandon Archer and Zachary Hales.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Telford Grace Brethren Church Cemetery Fund, 3337 Hwy. 11-E Limestone, TN 37681 or Tri-City Baptist Church, C/O Stephanie Walding, Preschool Ministry, 171 Promise Land Dr. Gray, TN 37615, or Agape Women’s Services, C/O Liesl Wright, 817 W. Walnut St. Unit 5A Johnson City, TN 37604.
11/16/2021
Don and Cindy Soule
We can’t tell you how sad we are for your loss! Our relationship with Kent and Melody went back over 40 years, when we used to come up to the Telford Grace Brethren Church for youth rallies, WMC meetings, and district conferences. Even though we didn’t get to see them often, when we did see them, it was as if we’d never been apart. We know Kent is safe in the arms of Jesus now, and we will look forward to seeing him again in heaven!
11/08/2021
Linda Winegar Greenwell
Prayers for comfort and peace for the family. Have known the Archers since childhood and we all attended Sulphur Springs together and was always blessed with his mom and dad’s singing. Kent and I got reacquainted at the football games at Daniel Boone when he was working them. Enjoyed our conversations! He was very proud of his family and especially of his becoming a granddaddy! He will be missed!
11/08/2021
Chris and Lori Howard
Our condolences. I am sure Kent is missed. Every time I saw him he was in a good humor--even when I would confuse his name with Art. Our time at Heritage Baptist with the AWANA program was memorable. Thinking of you guys. God bless.
11/08/2021
Wassan Broyles
Sorry to hear about Kent. Just read it in the press. I don't think I ever heard him called Michael. I have not seen Kent in many years but see the brothers all the time. Went to school with Kent for a few years. He was a funny guy back then but we all were a little crazy then. Played ball with Kent at Limestone and he was a good player. My condolences go out to the friends and family of Kent Archer my he rest in peace, Wassan and Vickie Broyles.
11/07/2021
Steve Stafford
Was out of town and had to miss the funeral but wanted to share my memories of Kent. We send our prayers and love to the family. I’ve known Kent since grade school. His dad and one of my brothers were both teachers in high school and close friends, his oldest brother and another of my brothers also good friends, all of us friends of the Archer brothers,, going to school together and playing sports together. Kent was always the quiet competitor, great at everything and above all, a great Christian man and role model to all those around. We haven’t seen much of each other for many yrs except for a bump-in every couple yrs. he will be missed lots, our prayers for God’s Grace during this time.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Kent. I worked with Kent for years at Eastman. We had many great conversations that I will miss. I considered him a good friend. Praying for the family’s comfort & peace during this time.
11/06/2021
Jean Archer Campbell
To the family -- I did not know the family but my father Dana Archer was Jess's brother. I remember Jess and Mary fondly and Frances and Wilma and Edwin.
(I remember singing with Edwin.) My daughter Judith Campbell Pluumb and Kent enjoyed a Facebook friendship. She and my son David Campbell were school mates at Sulphur Springs School.
We send our prayers and remember a fine Christian man, cousin and member
the Henrey Archer extended family. He will be missed.
I remember being around Kent when he first began exploring his gifts for music and how much that pleased him. He was a joy. A good man who was steadfast in his faith and in his love for his family. He will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Kent for several years out of the same office. He was a kind soul and always talked about his family.
So sorry for your loss. May God grant you the peace and comfort that only He can. Love and prayers for you all!
11/05/2021
Karen Hyder Schmitt
My heart goes out to the Archer family. I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Kent through some of my relatives who attended church with him years ago. I always remember him as such a kind, thoughtful, outstanding gentleman with a great sense of humor.
My prayers and sincere sympathy for all of you.
11/05/2021
Victor Quillen
Cam, I want to wish you and your family my deepest sympathy. I hope you may find comfort in the many loving memories you have. Please know that you have many people supporting you at this difficult time.
I knew Kent at Eastman and worked with him at times supporting some of the applications he used for shutdown scheduling. I remember him as being very detail oriented and took his job very seriously. I was very surprised to see of his passing in the paper this morning. I am praying for peace and understanding for those remaining on this side of heaven.
Mel I am so sorry that I can't be with you this weekend. Please know that you and the girls will be in my thoughts. Kent was a good man and I am so glad that I was able to know him. Much love, Diane
Was blessed to have known such a great man. As a young officer,it was nice to have our reserve division to ride along with us. I always loved my time with Kent in my jump seat. I will truly miss him and hope he knows how much he meant to me...thanks for watching my 6 and help getting me home to my family.
I have so many good memories growing up with Kent! I moved to Knoxville and lost contact but recently reconnected with Kent! My condolences to the whole family! I’m sad that I won’t be able to pay my respects this weekend! Rest In Peace Kent!
11/04/2021
Johnny and Jo Broyles
Melody and family, we are so sorry to hear about Kent. It was really a shock to us. And I know it was for you. Our prayers are with you.
11/04/2021
Blake Montgomery
I was blessed to call Kent my friend. I enjoyed working with Kent for many years. We shared many of the same interests. He loved his family and the Lord. It was a honor to know him.
Prayers for the Archer family.
You only flew with me once, but now that you have your wings......you can fly anytime!
