Mr. James Brantley Kennedy, Jr., age 92, of Piney Mount Road in Tennille peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, following an extended illness. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Piney Mount United Methodist Church of Tennille. Interment will follow in the Zeta Cemetery of Tennille. Dr. Brant Kennedy and Reverend Gary Griffith will officiate. Pallbearers will be Aaron Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy, Paul Harlan, Colton Kennedy, Jacob Kennedy, Dallas Kennedy, Micah Kennedy, and Jimmy Lewis. The family will greet friends on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. until the hour of the service at the church.
Mr. Kennedy was born on February 25, 1932, in Tennille to the late James Brantley Kennedy, Sr. and the late Gatsy Ophelia Webb Kennedy. He was a graduate of the Tennille High School. James proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed first in Germany before reassignment to Camp Stewart in Georgia, where he met his future wife. Following an honorable discharge in 1956, Mr. Kennedy ventured into farming before pursuing higher education at the Southern Technical Institute in Marietta, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. He then began a diligent career with the Georgia Highway Department, retiring in 1991 following thirty-four years of dedicated service. In retirement, James continued his passion for farming – raising cattle, growing row crops, bailing hay, and distributing his harvest to neighbors – a testament to his relentless work ethic, perseverance, and love for the land. A respected member of his community, Mr. Kennedy was known as a stickler for the rules, as he valued accountability and was admired for his principled approach to life and work, holding dear the values of family and honesty. He treasured his church family at the Piney Mount United Methodist Church. James was an avid fan of NASCAR, Georgia Tech football, the Green Bay Packers, Gun Smoke, cowboy movies, and country music. Regarded as a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Mr. Kennedy leaves a legacy of love and affection to his cherished family. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Jackson.
Survivors include his loving wife of over sixty-eight years, Carol Ann Giles Kennedy; sons, James Brantley Kennedy III and wife Kathy, Maynard Kennedy, and Alan Kennedy and wife Candace; grandchildren, Aaron Kennedy and wife Kristen, Joseph Kennedy, Paul Harlan and wife Sophia, Joseph Harlan, Lauren Harlan, Dallas Kennedy, Colton Kennedy and wife Taylor, and Jacob Kennedy and wife Abbey; great-grandchildren, Micah Kennedy, Logan Kennedy, Leah Kennedy, Karis Harlan, Lilly Harlan, Carter Taylor, Aiden Taylor, Tatum Kennedy, and Brooks Kennedy; and sister, Annie Brickhouse.
The family extends their gratitude to the community for their outpouring of love and support during a time of grief. They suggest that donations may be to the Piney Mount United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 575, Sandersville, Georgia 31082.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.