Harold was born in Calypso, NC to Jesse Eugene Kennedy and Mildred Lewis Kennedy on October 28, 1938. He graduated from North Duplin High School in 1958. He served honorably in the United States Navy from 1958 – 1962, proudly stationed on the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk during his enlistment.
As an entrepreneur, he started Kennedy’s Trucking of Wilmington in the early 1980’s. He was a self-taught investment advisor, spending numerous hours working in investment analysis. In 2003, Gold Rock Marketing presented him with an appreciation award for his work with helping area farmers come to a greater understanding of the Futures Market for better marketing of their farms. Subsequently, in 2005, he obtained his Real Estate Broker’s License through the NC Real Estate Commission. He has been a member of Grace Baptist Church since the early 1970’s.
His greatest love was his family. His pride and joy were his children, as he was proud of their many accomplishments. He was a dedicated friend. But most of all, he loved his wife, Faye M. Kennedy, affectionately known as “BOSS LADY.” He was equally proud of and loved his daughter-in-law Betsy, son-in-law Joey, and grandson Finn. And lastly, he loved his faithful canine companion, Princess.
Harold is preceded in death by Jesse Eugene Kennedy (father), Mildred Lewis Kennedy (mother), Kenneth Kennedy (brother), and Peggy Benson (sister).
Harold is survived by his wife Faye M. Kennedy; daughter Dawn Kennedy Davis, husband Joey M. Davis, and grandson Finn; son E.H. Kennedy Jr. and wife Betsy Rivenbark-Kennedy; sisters Mavis Turpin and Olive Faye Kennedy; brother–in-law Warren Benson; sister-in-law Rachel Kennedy; multiple nieces and nephews to include Wayne Turpin, Lynne Turpin, Kelly Jones, Lou Anne Gaffney, Ken Kennedy, and Kevin Kennedy.
Pallbearers will be E.H. Kennedy Jr., Ken Sarvis, Finn Marshall, Edward J. McMahon, Bobby D. Blackmon, and Pablo Cabrera Velasco.
The family of Elbert Harold Kennedy Sr. wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Kevin J. Brennan, MD, Wilmington Health Associates, and the Lower Cape Fear Hospice for the excellent care and compassion they provided.
Visitation will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home, followed by the Funeral Service at 12 noon. (Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home is located at 3915 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403). The Reverend J.D. Herchenhahn of Riley’s Creek Baptist Church will be officiating.
Burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina 28409.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice located at 1414 Physicians Dr, Wilmington NC 28401.
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