Curtis Harold Kennington

Curt was born on February 7, 1928 in Lancaster, SC to Charlie Harry and Corrie Howell Kennington. He graduated from Charlotte’s Tech High School in 1947 and attended King’s College. Curt married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Loretta, “Lorry” in 1950. The couple welcomed 3 daughters into their home and Mr. Kennington set about teaching them his love of sports and all things competitive as he was quite an athlete in his youth, playing baseball, basketball and football in high school. His children will always remember him as a kind, patient, supportive, fair and loving father in all things and will greatly miss that twinkle in his eyes that meant he was up to mischief!

Curt began working for Burroughs Corporation after graduating high school. He also served in the US Air Force during the Korean War before returning to Charlotte to continue his career in business machines. He founded Cash Register Systems in 1960 and successfully ran the company until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of Independent Cash Register Dealers Association and held office in the association for more than 30 years. He was the only 2 term president to ever serve ICRDA. As Secretary-Treasurer of the association he coordinated national and international conventions for 25 years. Mr. Kennington also served as president of the East Mecklenburg Men’s Optimist Club as well as serving many other local, state and national organizations.

Mr. Kennington had a love of real estate development. He was instrumental in the development of businesses in Charlotte, townhomes in Matthews, Morganton, and in a labor of love with business partners Billy Packer and Dr. Reed Gaskin, Olde Beau Golf and Country Club in Roaring Gap, NC.

Curt was a member of Belmont Park United Methodist Church and a charter member of University City UMC as well as an active member of Matthews United Methodist Church until recently.

Curt and Loretta had a great love for travelling throughout the world, visiting Asia many times as well as Europe, Northern Africa, Australia, South and Central America. They enjoyed cruising and made many lifelong friends through their journeys. And though they were world travelers, he was never more at peace than when he was at the beach with family and friends enjoying puzzles and board games. He enjoyed collecting coins and antique cash registers, playing ping pong and many games of “HORSE.” He loved playing with the grandkids by speaking “duck-talk” and counting ribs. Laugh and he had to start over!

Mr. Kennington is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Loretta Freeman Kennington; children, Sherri (Bob) Fagan, Kathy (Russell) Davis and Kristi (Brian) Hall all of the greater Charlotte area. Mr. Kennington is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Lindsay (Ryan) Schalles, Erin (Will) Hoffarth, Brianne, Hayley, and Logan Davis, and Nicholas and Nathan Hall as well has one great-granddaughter, his namesake, Kennington Claire Schalles. He is preceded in death by his parents and his six dear siblings.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Jean and the caregivers at Visiting Angels and Lynde and Amy from Novant Health Hospice for their tender care and compassion during Curt’s illness.

Visitation is scheduled for 3 pm Sunday, April 17th with the funeral following at 4pm at Matthews United Methodist Church in Matthews, NC. Reverends Paul Craig and Ken Lyons will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Curt’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a project dear to Curt’s heart; Levine Senior Center, Attn: Dahn Jenkins, 1050 Devore Lane, Matthews, NC 28105. Condolences can be sent to www.mcewenminthillchapel.com. McEwen Funeral Service of Mint Hill is in charge of arrangements.