Kent Adair, 65, of Gallatin, Tennessee, died peacefully on Saturday, August 8, following a brief battle with cancer.

Kent cherished his wife and family. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted father and a father figure to many others. He loved spending time with family and friends. He always had a joke or story to tell. He loved classic cars and working outdoors. He loved his country. And he knew and loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kent was born on March 9, 1961, in Nashville, Tennessee, and remained a proud East Nashvillian at heart. He kept close ties with many of the friends he made growing up and through his school years, carrying those friendships with him throughout his life.

Kent began his working career in the printing industry before joining the newly established Nissan plant in Smyrna. He spent 25 years there as part of the team that was the first to bring major automotive manufacturing to Tennessee.

Kent had a passion and skill for building things. That passion led him in his early 40s to leave the security of Nissan and start his own construction company, Adair Outscapes. For the rest of his life, Kent poured his energy, creativity, and hard work into helping people turn their remodeling dreams into reality. He took great pride in his work, but perhaps even more importantly, he was the guy you called when you needed help. Whether you needed something built, fixed, figured out, or simply needed someone to show up, Kent was there.

Kent met Debra in early 2000 and they married just six months later, on September 17. They shared nearly 26 years of marriage, living a life filled with family, friends, faith, hard work, and treasured memories. Kent and Debra loved each other deeply and his passing leaves an enormous hole in her heart.

Kent is survived by his devoted wife, Debra; his daughter, Jennifer (Mark); his son, Cody; and his stepson, Dalen (Katie). He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Emily, Gracie, Michael, Kenzley, Noble, and Nash, a great-granddaughter, Gracelynn, and his brother, Tim (Cyndi).

He was preceded in death by his parents, M. Rodney and Rosa Adair, and his grandson, Marc Lane Jr.

Kent’s life was celebrated by family and friends at services held at Hendersonville First Baptist Church and White House First United Methodist Church. He was remembered for his humor and humility, his many stories, and his gentle and warm embrace. He will be deeply missed, but the life he built, the people he helped, and the love he gave will forever remain with those who knew him.