Charles Robert Kennon

Papa Charles was born May 16, 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee to Charles and Grace Kennon. He leaves two children, Melanie J. Kennon (Jimmie Hefner) and Woody Kennon (Cindy) and a brother, Larry D. Kennon (Day), along with three grandchildren, Scott Darnell (Natalie), Lynsey McLaughlin (Andy), and Kirsten Dement (Jason). He has 7 precious great- grandchildren (Owen, Henry, Ben, Olive, Cooper, Josie, and Walker). He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 58 years, Sarah Jane Wood Kennon.

Papa Charles graduated from Southwestern at Memphis in 1955 where he met his bride, Jane. They shared their love for music, singing together in the Southwestern choir and local churches. After graduation, they moved to Richmond, Virginia to attend Union Theological Seminary, where he completed his Masters of Divinity degree. His first pastorate was at First Presbyterian Church in Welch, Louisiana. Charles served for 4 years, before taking his next church assignment at the First Presbyterian Church in Covington, TN. During his 10 years in Covington, he felt called to meet the mental health needs of the community and founded the Tri-County Mental Health Center where he served as executive administrator for 20 years. He also served as President of the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Centers, and was honored in receiving the Governor’s Award for outstanding service to Tennessee.

In addition to his long-standing commitment to mental health, Charles continued to serve in interim pastorates at First Presbyterian Church, Trinity Christian Church, and Johnson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Jackson, TN and First Presbyterian Church of Brownsville, TN. Papa Charles had a great love for his family and friends. He ministered and provided comfort and guidance to many from cradle to grave. His children and grandchildren have all been blessed to have Papa Charles officiate their weddings.

Papa Charles is known for his love of tennis, fishing, gardening, eating good food, sharing recipes, bird- watching, and telling (and retelling) stories and jokes. He shared magic tricks with his great grandkids, and delighted in their laughter. A product of the Great Depression, he lived frugally and always loved a good bargain. However, he was generous, helping many folks financially over the years. He remained sharp and quick- witted to the end. Charles chatted often with his brother, Larry, and other family members, debating politics, the stock market, and world events. Papa Charles relished his 90th Birthday Celebration this past May, surrounded by his friends, neighbors, and family.

The family would like to thank his devoted caregivers, who lovingly provided for his needs which allowed him to remain in his home. We appreciate the outstanding medical care provided by Dr. Robert Gilroy, Jr., Dr. Conrado Sioson, Dr. Edward Koonce, Jr. and the compassionate nurses on 9C of the Jackson- Madison County Hospital.

A celebration of Charles’ life will take place on April 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm at George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home North, 2812 North Highland Ave. in Jackson, Tennessee. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm.

Burial will be afterward for family only at the Wood Family Cemetery, in Martin, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriner's Children's Hospitals or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Papa Charles' name.