Billy Wayne Kennedy
Billy Wayne Kennedy, 72 of Grapeland, Texas passed away on Wednesday January 11, 2017 at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas.
Billy was born on January 15, 1944 in Port Arthur, Texas to Carol Kennedy and Mary Sue Cowan. He was the second born of six sons. He and his 5 brothers, John, David, Larry, Danny, and Chuck, lived briefly in Arkansas but spent most of their youth in multiple Texas towns such as Hawkins, Henderson, Latexo, and Grapeland. As the second oldest child, Billy was a father figure to all of his brothers and loved them all so very much.
Billy served as a Private in the Army with the C Battery 6th Battalion 32nd Artillery from May 14, 1962 to May 13, 1965 as a Track Vehicle Mechanic and was stationed in Washington and Alaska. Billy loved guns, hunting and fishing and was a lifetime member of the NRA. His fondest memories were of camping and fishing trips with his brothers and their families. Billy was an exceptional hunter and trapper; a “mountain man” in his own way. He worked as a mechanic most of his life, eventually becoming the Maintenance Supervisor at the Crockett State School.
Billy married Darlene Robison on June 16, 1972 and were blessed with a son, Logan, and a daughter, Lisa. They lived briefly in Crockett before eventually settling in Grapeland, Texas.
Billy has loved the Lord for many years and has served his church faithfully. He served as Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Reporter, Song Leader, and respected Elder of the Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. His favorite duty was to list the prayers of those in need, carefully documenting each and every request.
He is preceded in death by his father, Carol Kennedy, and his mother, Mary Sue Cowan; brothers David Kennedy, Charles (Chuck) Derrington, and John Montgomery; and brother-in-law, Bobby Robison.
Billy is survived by his wife Darlene of 44 years; son Logan and daughter in-law Denise Kennedy; their children Tori & Josh Baldree, Austin & Brittany Kennedy, and Kiley Kennedy; daughter Lisa and son in-law Thomas Sullivan; their children Paige Sullivan, Trey Sullivan, Taylor Pennington, Kami Sullivan, and Emslie Sullivan; brothers Larry and Danny Kennedy; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nephews.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Grapeland, Texas. Brother Roy Bowman will be officiating. Burial will follow at San Pedro Cemetery, Grapeland, Texas. Visitation will be held Saturday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, January 14, 2017 at Walker and Walker Funeral home in Grapeland, Texas.
Online condolences may be made at www.walkerandwalkerfh.com Walker & Walker Funeral Home
