Sergeant Brent “Hoss” Allen Hendrix, 35, of Cincinnati, Ohio, formerly of Rutherford County, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 23, 2020.
Brent was born on November 11th, 1984 in Rutherfordton, North Carolina to Teresa Kimbrell and Carl Hendrix. He was a 2003 graduate of Chase High School in Forest City, North Carolina. Brent was a sophomore in high school when the United States was attacked by terrorists on September 11th, 2001. This event led to Brent’s desire to join the military. Brent joined the US Army as an Infantryman on February 22, 2003 as part of the delayed entry program. His Army training began in July of 2003 at Fort Benning, Georgia. Brent was assigned to the 172nd Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He later deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While serving in Iraq, Brent was severely wounded on June 26, 2006, which resulted in the loss of his right leg. Brent was then sent to Walter Reed Army Medical in Washington DC where he spent the next 3 years working towards recovery and rehabilitation. Brent was medically retired from the US Army on the 3rd anniversary of his Alive Day. For his heroism and sacrifice, Brent was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. After leaving Walter Reed, Brent moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to pursue his college education. At the time of his passing Brent was a student at Xavier University.
While at Walter Reed, Brent became a fixture in the wounded warrior community. His larger than life personality was an inspiration to everyone that he encountered. He often used the story of his recovery to aid in inspiring those around him to persevere regardless of their struggles. Brent never met a stranger and had the most infectious smile that could brighten any room he entered. In his free time, Brent volunteered with several military organizations and could often be found speaking to elementary school students as well as collegiate and professional sports teams.
Brent was an amazing brother, uncle and friend. He selflessly put others before himself without expecting anything in return. Brent was an avid sports fan and loved the Carolina Panthers. Brent also enjoyed the outdoors and participated in skydiving and scuba diving. He was determined to prove that disabilities were not limitations.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Teresa Kimbrell and Carl Hendrix and his godson, Jeffrey “LJ” Lynch.
He is survived by his beloved sister, Michelle “Missy” Hendrix; brother, Mark Kimbrell; niece, Haley Rogers; nephews, Hunter and Zachary Rogers; and great nephew, Julian Rogers; all of Chesnee, SC; brother Jeff Lynch and wife Christy; and nieces, CateLyn, Emerson and Elianna Lynch; of Cary, NC; his surrogate fathers, Steve Lee of Cincinnati, OH and Michael Kuchinsky of Frederick, MD; and numerous friends across the globe.
Due to the Covid-19 situation, a celebration of Brent’s life as well as his internment at Arlington National Cemetery, will be announced and take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the veterans charity of your choosing.
#22TooMany #OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten