Superintendent Bobby James Kenton was born August 1, 1960, in Humboldt, Tennessee, to Willie Lee and Martha Aredira Kenton. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard M. Klyce, Willie L. Kenton Sr., and Jerry R. Kenton; sisters Mattie R. Kenton, Martha A. Kenton, and Sylvia Yancy Eison.

He leaves a loving legacy through his wife, Betty Kenton; children Quindarus (Kayli)Kenton, Tiffany, Ashley, and Keelen Kenton; grandchildren Aniyah, Qualyn, Tyler, Wilder, Ashton, and Scarlet; six brothers—Walter (Virginia) Kenton, Woodrow (Bonita)Kenton, Carl Wayne Sr. (Tracy)Kenton, Johnnie (Marilyn)Kenton, Stan (Almeda)Kenton, and Randy (Geneva)Kenton; four sisters—Mary Kenton, Ruby Dell Bernard, Rebecca Sue Dennis, and Sylvia Henderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Superintendent Bobby J. Kenton accepted his call to ministry as a teenager and began preaching at Community Church of God in Christ in Maury City, Tennessee, where he was licensed and later ordained an Elder under Bishop W. L. Porter. His first pastoral assignment was Belle Eagle COGIC, followed by St. Luke COGIC in Bells, Tennessee, where he served faithfully for 38 years.

Before becoming District Superintendent, he served as assistant to Superintendent Alvin Williams of the Brownsville District. He was later appointed Superintendent of the Brownsville District and served on the Executive Board/Finance Department of the Tennessee Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under Bishop Brandon Porter.