Funeral services for Mr. James Kenneth “Kent” Cliburn were conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Saulters Moore Funeral Chapel withRev. Andy Fullington officiating, assisted by Rev. Richard Cothern. 

Interment followed in the Cliburn Cemetery.  Mr. Cliburn, age 90, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord Tuesday evening, Oct. 8, 2024, at his home in Silver Creek. 

Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

The Cliburn family received friends Friday evening, Oct. 11, 2024, beginning at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home. 

Visitation resumed Saturday morning, beginning at 8 a.m. until the hour of service at 10 a.m.

Mr. Cliburn was carried to his final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers; Kyle Smith, Jim Barnett, Stanley Stephens, Brian Cliburn, Kai Mitchell and Rodney White. Honorary pallbearers included Larry Henderson, Tony Sykes and John Blair.

“Kent,” as he was known to many, was born on Aug. 3, 1934, in Lawrence County, to Floyd F. and Nannie Miller Cliburn.  He was a graduate of New Hebron High School.

Kent’s family warmly recalls that he was driven by excellence in all aspects of his life.  His ambition was matched only by his dapper appearance and he will be remembered for his class and neatness in his dress when he went anywhere.

His professional journey began in the retail sector when he joined the Kroger company, where he exemplified a remarkable work ethic and ambition. 

Over the course of two decades, he ascended from an entry-level position to that of General Manager, demonstrating a consistent commitment to excellence in every role he undertook.

Following his tenure at Kroger, He embarked on a new adventure on the riverboats, where he initially started as a Deck Hand.

With his characteristic determination, he navigated his way to the esteemed position of Captain, embodying the essence of perseverance and leadership. 

In 1994, he further expanded his horizons by founding the Cliburn Poultry Farm, a venture that allowed him to cultivate his passion for farming until his retirement in 2000. 

Kent had a profound love for his land, where planting seeds in the earth gave him great joy as he anticipated the miracle of new life in a small seedling springing forth from the ground.

At an early age, Kent confessed his hope in Christ at Crooked Creek Baptist Church, and later, in the mid-1970s, he made a significant recommitment to his faith at Faith Baptist Church in Silver Creek, where he was baptized again. 

Throughout his life, he remained a devoted member of Faith Baptist, serving diligently as the treasurer for many years.

Mr. Cliburn is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Nannie Cliburn; sisters, Frances Parish, Carolyn Sanders; brothers, Luther Cliburn, Ferrell Cliburn; daughter-in law, Stephanie Harrist and his grandson, Christopher Cliburn.

His memory will forever be cherished by his beloved wife, Jamie Cliburn of Silver Creek; daughter, Barbara Williams of Memphis, Tennessee; sons, James Cliburn Jr. (Andrea), Bobby Cliburn (Susan) both of Silver Creek, Blu Harrist (Jenny) of Colorado; sister, Nancy Kirkley of Silver Creek; his grandchildren, Rachel McKinney (Lucas), Kathleen Williams, Caroline Williams, Brian Cliburn (Cadie), Andrew Cliburn (Sarah), Lisa Furlow (Adam), Aaron Cliburn, Corey Harrist, Samantha Harrist, Jennifer Romero (Jordan), Kai Mitchell, Asher Mitchell (Melissa) and his great-grandchildren, Emma Mirabal, Abigail Furlow, Rosalee Harrist, Audry Harrist, Everett McKinney, Axton Romero and Ryker Romero.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com