Basil Elbert Kennedy

He was born in Pratt City, Alabama on June 27, 1927, to the late Hollis Samuel Kennedy and Fannie Cooper Kennedy. Basil is also preceded in death by his first wife, Dixie Adams, and beloved wife, Maudrine Davis Kennedy; three children, Daniel Kennedy, Ronald Kennedy, and Steven Kennedy; and his siblings, William Sheffield, Jay Sheffield, and Claudia Satterwhite. He grew up on a dairy farm and went to Jefferson County Public Schools. After high school he attended Auburn Agricultural School and was a member of the Aircraft Association Flying Service. Basil proudly served his country as a Seaman Second Class on the USS New York in the United States Navy. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal after fighting in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign.

Basil was the owner of Ketom Construction Company and Vice President at Sullivan, Long & Hagerty. An avid traveler, he was a member of the Motor Home Association and was a single engine airplane private pilot. He enjoyed square dancing and was also a round dancer. Basil was a Master Mason member of Cedar Bend No 583 of F&AM of The Grand Lodge of Alabama and a faithful member of Hokes Bluff Methodist Church.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Maverene Delena Gilliland Kennedy; his children, Patricia (Roger) Williams, Velvet (Michael) Stevens, and Cindy Kennedy (surviving spouse of Steven Kennedy); his grandchildren, Julie Shapiro, Tracey Engstrom, Randi Skorcz, Joanne Carter, Tommy Kennedy, Jason Kennedy, Jamie Christian, Michael Kennedy, Stephanie Kennedy, John Kennedy, Alez Goddard, and MyKaila Stevens; great-grandchildren, Jesse Hartmann, Stephanie Shannon, Lexie Shapiro, Nicole Loseman, Jadon Christian, Ethan Mitchell, Julie Loseman, Kyle Rice, Kayla Burns, Lauren Carter, Veronica Skorcz, Emma Shapiro, Bailey Kennedy, Jonah Kennedy, Ethan Carter, Brinnley Kennedy, Kayla Young, Jacen Kennedy, Michael Goddard, Waldon Kennedy, Raistlin Kennedy, Bethany Kennedy, Hazel Goddard, Kareem Christian, and Nathan Kennedy; great-great grandchildren, Colten Hartmann, Cannon Hartmann, and Ella Clark. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Sherry Young, Charlotte Herring, Libby Saltzer, and David Dobbs.

A visitation will take place at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a service beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery.