William Joseph Kennedy Sr.

William Joseph Kennedy, Sr., age 87, of Sulphur, La., died of natural causes on Dec. 23, 2016, after a long illness and hospitalization in Lake Charles. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Ann Greene; their daughter Charlotte Vincent of Sulphur, LA., son Bill Kennedy of Austin, TX., and their families. He was born Nov. 23, 1929, in Brunswick, Ga., the son of Fred Alton Kennedy and Clacel Mier. One of eight children, he is survived by three brothers and their families.

By age seventeen “Papa” had completed a year in the Merchant Marines and was enlisted in the Army. He served his country proudly for 24 years in the Airborne and Field Artillery, including duty with the Occupational Army in Japan and two tours in Viet Nam. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major in 1970. His many military honors include five Bronze Stars with Valor (four Oak Leaf Clusters), Purple Heart, Air Medal with Silver and Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense, and Vietnam Service Medals. Additionally, for his contributions the Republic of Vietnam awarded him the Republic of Vietnam Gallant Cross with Silver Star, the Civil Actions Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 1970, he entered the United States Federal Air Marshal Service and, in 1973, the Customs Service where he served as Special Agent until retiring in 1992. His career and life demonstrate a remarkable work ethic and an impressive record of accomplishments, awards, and commendations. His family and friends are deeply grateful and he will not be forgotten.