Mr. Samuel Kent Bales, age 70, of Limestone, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 5, 2026. He was born on January 9, 1956, to the late Charles “Bob” and Wilma Pleasant Bales, in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Kent retired from Eastman Chemical Company after 42 years of service and also worked as a dairy farmer. During his high school career, he was a talented baseball player.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunts and uncles, Wanda & Henry Carter, Mary Carter, Charlene Pleasant, Gary Pleasant, Kay Pleasant, Helen Booker, Bill Mathes, and Joe Bales.
Kent is survived by his sister, Tammy Edwards (Charlie) of Limestone; brother, Mike Bales (Christina) of Greeneville; nieces and nephews, Alicia Kellis (Josh), Cody Edwards, Jordan Edwards, C.J. Bales, Klara Bales (Jacob); great-nieces and nephews, Joshua Kellis, Landon Kellis, Destiny Moore (Kriss), Angel Moore, and Kylie Kellis; aunts, Carolyn Legg, Rita Bales, Velma Mathes, and Sandy Pleasant; several cousins.
Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Oakland Cemetery with Pastor Daniel Norton officiating.
Kent and I played high school baseball against each other. We were employed at Eastman together. A great person and always had a smile on his face! To the family and friends my thoughts and prayers are with you. Go Rest High on that Mountain. Your work on Earth is Done !
