Rev. Kent Daniel Small, 55, of Columbia, died on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Born in Jackson, MI, on May 16, 1965, he was a son of Thomas Raymond and Carol Ruth Fitzgerald Small.

Kent attended Northern Christian High School in McBain, Michigan and went on to study for two years at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kent joined the US Navy in February 1985 and served proudly in the submarine force as a nuclear missile technician until 1991. He was a veteran of the Cold War and served on the USS Will Rogers (SSBN 659) and the USS Holland (AS32).

Following his lifelong call to ministry, Kent began serving in his local church as youth pastor in the Presbyterian Church. He continued his growth in ministry at Plantation Wesleyan Church under the leadership of Carl Possehl. Kent received his licensure from the Wesleyan Church and became pastor of Longcreek Wesleyan Church in Columbia SC. Rev. Small served at various churches in northeast Columbia since then, including Faith Community Church and Sandhills Community Church. He received his ordination from the International Fellowship of Bible Churches and last served humbly at Covenant Community Fellowship Church in Columbia.

In addition to his ministry, Kent had a passion for all things computers and IT work. This passion led him to work for many places including: Hill- Rom, Blackbaud Inc., Charleston County, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Colonial Life Insurance. During his time at these locations, Kent met a diversity of people. He treasured every single friendship and opportunity, always showing the love of Christ to those around him.

Survivors include his wife, Michele Anne Waller Small; sons, Benjamin Daniel Small (April) and Jon Wesley Small; daughters, Katherine Brooke Small and Jessica Marie Small; siblings, Lora Jean Kushmaul (Rodney) and Glenn Wesley Small (Candice).

The funeral service for Mr. Small will be held at 12:30 o'clock, Tuesday, March 30th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, with Pastor Jeff Philpott officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 2 o'clock. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Monday evening at the funeral home. Mask and social distancing are required to create a safe environment for all. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service may be seen by visiting his tribute page at ShivesFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to International Fellowship of Bible Churches, Inc., 3511 N. Geraldine Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.