Mr. Jerry W. Kennedy, 87, retired co-owner and operator of Southway Auto Sales for nearly 50 years and a lifelong resident of Columbia, died Sunday, December 12, 2021 at his residence.
A graveside service for Mr. Kennedy will be conducted Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Polk Memorial Gardens with Randy Owens officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Maury County Animal Shelter 1233 Mapleash Avenue Columbia, Tennessee 38401 or International Fellowship of Christians and Jew’s 30 North LaSalle Street Suite 4300 Chicago, Illinois 60602-2584.
Born on August 9, 1934 in Maury County, he was the son of the late James Frank Kennedy, Sr., and the late Alberta Virginia Kinzer Kennedy. He was a graduate of Columbia Central High School Class of 1952 and went on to attend the University of Tennessee and MTSU. Mr. Kennedy served in the United States Army. He was an auto fanatic, loved to sell cars, and enjoyed traveling cross country. Mr. Kennedy was a member of West 7th Street Church of Christ.
Survivors include his wife Glenda Black Kennedy of Columbia, whom he married on January 18, 1964; daughters, Deidre Kennedy of Columbia and Anna Kennedy O’Connor of Nashville; grandson, Rogan O’Connor of Nashville; brother-in-law, Richard Brown of Franklin; sister-in-law, Sherrie Kennedy of Columbia; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Frances Kennedy Brown, Buddy Kennedy, Billy Kennedy, Kenneth Kennedy, and Wayne Kennedy.
Pallbearers will be family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Brooks, John Church, A.C. Howell, and friends of Monday-Wednesday- Friday lunch group.
