James K. "Kent" Vancil, II, passed away in his sleep Wednesday, December 9, 2009, following a lengthy illness.  Kent was born to James Kent Vancil and Evelyn Sarah (Wilkins) Vancil on September 9, 1947.  A native of Pensacola, he was truly born with "sand in his shoes" and embraced everything about his hometown.  Among his favorite places to be were Johnson's Beach at Perdido Key and the Naval Aviation Museum.  He rarely missed a Blue Angels' air show, and an occasional bacon Swiss cheese burger from Jerry's Drive-In would never have been turned down.  He was a graduate of Escambia High School in 1965, and enlisted in the USMC at the age of 17.  Kent recently retired from the Escambia Sheriff's Office where he had a stellar and highly-decorated career. serving  his community as a law enforcement officer for over 25 years, the majority of which he served as an investigator, solving many crimes and helping to bring justice for victims.  He truly made a difference for our community and for victims of crime.  He was also an accomplished military historian and enjoyed sharing his extensive historical knowledge with others.  Kent is preceded in death by his mother and father, and his special cat,"Tom."  He is  survived by his son, Kent (Jennifer); and his beloved grandsons, Everett, Caleb, soon-to-be-born grandson, Mason, and many other family members and friends, both near and far.  We ask for friends to join us in celebrating Kent's life.  We should all be thankful that we were given the chance to have known him.  Kent will be forever in our hearts and will  be forever missed but, in time, we will meet him again.  Visitation will be Monday, December 14 from 5 to 7pm at Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 15 at 1pm at Waters and Hibbert with graveside services to follow at St. John's Cemetery.  Pastor Joe Prestridge, Assistant Pastor of Calvary Chapel, Gulf Breeze, officating.  Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.