In Memory of Kent Earley

In memoriam: On July 2, 2009, Dalton, Georgia, lost a good citizen, Southern Muse lost a good friend, and the world became a shade duller. Kent was the kind of person who brightened a room by his presence. That's the kind of thing that's said in every memorial ~ but cliches aside, the lamp by which Kent lit each room was laughter. As devastated as I'd like to feel, I can't help but smile when I think of Kent Earley. All my memories of him are tinged with laughter ~ his own, as well as mine. Kent loved to laugh! He had a contagious laugh that was sometimes a cackle. And Kent loved to make other people laugh. Still, it's not as if he was the class clown. Kent's laughter sprang from a love of life and a love of people. He took great delight in people from all walks of life. That alone made Kent Earley special; but memories of him don't stop at his sense of humor. Kent was an admirable man and a good citizen, as well. Kent's other favorite pastime, besides having a great time, was helping other people. So many students have stories of how he helped them with their paperwork and applications, encouraged them in their chosen programs at Dalton State College, and brightened the classroom with his engaging personality and that well-loved laugh. Yes, the world is a shade duller without Kent. Our friend will be sadly missed.