Henry Kennedy
Published 2:17 pm Tuesday, December 28, 2021
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Beloved father and grandfather, Henry Hershel Kennedy, 96, passed peacefully on Dec. 23, 2021. He was a native of Angie and born Feb. 27, 1925, in Walthall County, Miss.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sue Pace Kennedy; daughter, Rhonda Kennedy Polk; son, Danny Cibic; parents, Henry Jefferson Kennedy and Essie Martha Kennedy; as well as six siblings.
He is survived by his son, Reginald Lee Kennedy (Melanie); daughter, Kristie Kennedy Varnado (Lee); son-in-law, Lee Anthony (Tony) Polk; sister, Betty Carr; brother, Louie Kennedy; sister-in-law, Mavon Kennedy; grandchildren, Jeffrey Polk, Theresa Roberts (Michael), Andy Polk, Rachel Powell (Mike), Jake Kennedy (Kelli), Jed Kennedy (Madison), Mary Genova, Anna Genova, Claire Varnado; and great grandchildren Kennedy, Cecile, and James Powell; Ethan and Josiah Kennedy; and Rowan and Rosemary Kennedy; beloved family Jacqueline Pace and Billy Leggett; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The defining characteristic for Hershel was living life big and by his rules! Perhaps this was a result of his World War II military service where he served in the U.S. Army 99th infantry, 393rd division. In his service he earned a Purple Heart, Belgian and French Croix de Guerres, a Bronze Star for veritas service above and beyond the call of duty and endured three battles: Battle of Ardennes, Battle of The Bulge, and Battle of Normandy and Hedgerow.
Upon his return stateside he didn’t waste a single day. His marriage to Sue brought him 70 years of joy. Theirs was a true love affair. His other joy was his family, specifically spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Any who knew him knew Hershel never sat still. Adventure and entrepreneurship were his driving forces. From modest roots he began his career in the cattle and beef business, then moved later into oil & gas with a chain of K&S Stop and Go. He ended his career in sawmilling, owning Hill Country Lumber in Lucedale, Miss., and Angie Lumber Company in Angie. Mixed in with all these ventures was his penchant for buying and selling real estate.
These businesses made possible all the family adventures such as caravanning with half the community out west to build the first Kennedy Cabin in Rand, Colo., or the second on top of Brazos Peak in Chama, N.M. It led to annual elk hunting at Lula’s Ranch in Wyoming, then later at Kennedy’s Camp Freeze Your *** Off in Rand and Chama. Fishing in the Gulf in his beloved Boston Whaler or going with buddies to Lake Mary also occupied his time. He hosted many family trips out west and the adventures are too numerous to count. His joy was always in providing the adventure and making others happy.
In true fashion, Hershel also faithfully served his church and community. He was a member at Angie Baptist Church for his entire adult life and gave more than 25 years public service as a member of the Washington Parish School Board and later the Washington Parish Police Jury. What you read here is only a fraction of what his wonderful, adventurous life held. He will be missed by all who knew him, but we take comfort knowing that he is reunited with those who preceded him in death.
The family held a visitation from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., and the Memorial Service at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 27, at Angie Baptist Church in Angie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Angie Baptist Church.