John "Kent" Kennedy was born March 27, 1927 in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Hayward Kennedy Sr. and Levicey Brown Kennedy. He passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at Sumter Health and Rehab after an extended illness.

At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His Christian life began at Bethel AME Church and, after being married, he joined and was an active member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church. At Goodwill, he served faithfully with the Presbyterian Men, sang on the Men's choir, and served as a member of the trustee board.
Affectionately known as Kent, he was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and had fond memories of his school days at Lincoln High School. As a youngster, he developed a strong work ethic and would often share stories of working at the local Black movie theater near his family home. As a young adult, he worked at Tuomey Hospital as an attendant and was later employed by the City of Sumter with the maintenance department, where he worked for more than 20 years. A professional concrete finisher, he was often tasked with helping to pour grave tops for those in the community, a job he enjoyed and did well.
A sports fan throughout his entire life, he was the first Black baseball team manager to integrate Riley Ballpark in the 1940s with a local team, The North Main Runners. He also enjoyed watching football and was a fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks. He loved Gospel music and would often hum or sing his favorite tunes from the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and the Dixie Hummingbirds.
Perhaps the only thing he loved more than his work, watching sports and old westerns, and listening to gospel music was his family. He was a devoted husband and son-in-law, faithfully and lovingly caring for both his mother-in-law and his wife, even as he aged himself.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 54 years, Mary Elizabeth Benjamin Kennedy, Sumter SC, six children, three daughters and three sons: Alberta Benjamin, Woodbridge VA, Glendora Benjamin, Gable SC, Miranda (Morris) Sparks, Sumter SC, Eddie (Eliza) Benjamin, Alcolu SC, Robert Kennedy, Sumter SC, and Lorenzo (Denise) Kennedy, Sumter SC, fifteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Carrie Kennedy, Jefferson SC, Anna L Kennedy, Atlanta GA, one brother-in-law, Leo Benjamin, Hyattsville, MD, a special cousin he loved like a daughter, Annette Benjamin Wheeler, Gable SC, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hayward and Levicey Kennedy, his brothers, Hayward, Andrew, Abraham, and Lucius, his sisters, Wilamena Hampton and Lillie Mae Kennedy.
Public Viewing will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.
Mr. Kennedy will be placed in the church on Sat. at 10am for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral Service will be held on Sat. January 21 at 11am at Goodwill Presbyterian Church 295 N Brick Church Rd, Mayesville, SC with Rev.Dr. Richard Dozier and Reverend Dr. Ella Busby, Officiating.
Interment will follow in Goodwill Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Family will be receiving friends at 1750 Canberra Drive, Sumter