Ivory Lee Kennedy

Ivory Lee Kennedy was the second son born to the union of Omie Byrd and Willie Kennedy on May 14, 1924, in Cobbtown, Tattnall County, GA.  Ivory’s parents died when he was a young.  He and his brother James Dewey (J. D.) were reared by grandparents, Ida Parrish Byrd and William Byrd and uncle and aunt Marshton and Mamie Kennedy.  His life came to an end when he transitioned on April 10, 2016, at Baptist Hospital South, Jacksonville, FL.

Even though his formal education was limited, all of his life, Ivory valued learning and doing his very best at whatever task was put before him.  He completed a tour of duty in the US Army during World War II.  His early employment was in Farming and Sawmill industries in Georgia.  Upon moving his family to Jacksonville Beach, he was employed as a Machinist with B. B. McCormick & Sons.  His last employment was as a Master Gardner with Ponte Vedra Golf and Country Club.

Ivory Lee Kennedy was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville Beach, FL.  He was active with the Ushers Ministry.  He remained faithful with the Ushers’ Ministry until he became full time caretaker for his wife and then in recent years, his own health failed.  Ivory’s wonderful sense of humor and enjoyment of life spread to everyone around him.  His tremendous spirit and loving ways will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

He believed that you should do what makes you happy.  Be with who makes you smile.  Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.  With this ideology guiding his life, as a young man, Ivory Lee Kennedy met and married the love of his life, Irish Rose Campbell, on May 12, 1945.  Eight adorable children were born to that union: Joan, Jesse, Willie, Freddie, Robert, Jimmie, Alberta and Michael.  Recently, his loving wife sent him a message that said, “I still love you just as much as when my courtship started over 72 years ago!”

Ivory Lee Kennedy had an amazing outlook on life.  He believed and advocated that an arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward.  When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great.  So just focus and keep aiming.  Don't carry mistakes around with you. Instead, lay them on the ground and use them as stepping stones, so you can rise above them.  One must know and trust that life is unique, unrepeatable, one of a kind and beautiful.  We just need to take a step back and find reasons to love it.

Ivory Lee Kennedy was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Omie Kennedy, grandparents, Ida and William Byrd, brother, James Dewey (J. D.) and son, Willie Kennedy.

The legacy of his seasons is cherished and remembered by his beloved wife of 71 years, Irish Rose Kennedy; children, Joan Kennedy Williams, Dayton, OH, Jessie Kennedy (Namson), Blytheville, AR, Freddie Kennedy (Roxanne), Jacksonville Beach, FL, Robert Kennedy (Rickie), Upper Marlboro, MD, Jimmie Kennedy, Jacksonville Beach, FL, Alberta Kennedy Floyd (Michael), Jacksonville, FL and Michael Kennedy (Priscilla), Saint Johns, FL; 24 grandchildren, 36 great-great grandchildren; 3 great-great-great grandchildren; and a host of other supportive family (nephews, nieces, cousins) and sorrowing friends.

Hardage - Giddens Oakland Chapel, 4801 San Jose BLVD, Jacksonville, FL 32207, in charge of final arrangements.

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