Obituary of Gary Kennedy

Gary Richard Kennedy, 71, of Clayton, NC, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2015 at his home.

Born May 23, 1944 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Gary was the son of the late Chester and Thelma Kennedy.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife Laura Rowe Kennedy, brother Lane Kennedy, and very close cousin Dana Holland. In addition to many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews, Gary leaves behind a son Daniel Kennedy and daughter-in-law Melissa Kennedy (Benson, NC), daughter Rebekah Kennedy (Sanford, NC), cherished grandsons Trey Hughes (Linville, NC) and Ryan Kennedy (Benson, NC), and adored granddaughter Erin Kennedy (Benson, NC). His heart claimed several additional children as his grandchildren including Mikey and A.J. Cupo (Clayton, NC), Joie-Leigh and Tucker Mason (Benson, NC), and Drake and Sydney Lowe (Benson, NC). Also left to mourn are a brother Darrel Kennedy and sister-in-law Lou Kennedy (Aliquippa, PA), and sister Sue Kennedy (Raleigh, NC).

Gary was a steel worker for J&L Steel, later renamed LTV Steel, in the Aliquippa Works facility for over 22 years before moving to the Raleigh, NC area in 1987. In North Carolina, he worked for NCSU as an electrician/plumber/mechanic for almost 20 years.

It is impossible to think of him and not think of music. He had a deep love of music and enjoyed using it to make other people happy. He loved 50s rock, country, gospel, and thanks to his grandchildren, current pop music. One of his favorite songs to play in order to dance, sing, and make his grandchildren laugh was 'All About That Bass' by Meghan Trainor.

Gary will be missed by many people for his huge heart, joyous personality, desire to make people laugh, and his willingness to not only help others when asked, but his desire to search out ways he could help even when not asked.

He was truly one in a billion and we are broken without him.

A private memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 16th at 6PM at the home of his son and daughter-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, an organization dear to Gary's heart due to his great love of children.