Earl Eugene ("Gene") Kennedy

Earl Eugene ("Gene") Kennedy passed away at age 81 on January 17, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. Born on June 24, 1935 near Portsmouth, Ohio to Earl Wayne Kennedy and Edith (Lawhun) Kennedy, Gene spent his childhood in rural Garrison, Ky. Following the death of his mother at age 7, Gene's father married Gladys (Carver Bentley) Kennedy, and their families blended and later enlarged. Surrounded by his 11 siblings, Gene worked hard at farm chores and in school, while making occasional mischief on the side. A sharp student, Gene went on to attend the University of Kentucky. His fraternity nickname was "Friendly." No one remained a stranger to Gene, and kindness and interest in others marked his entire life. While at UK, Gene met a beautiful co-ed named Judy Johnson for a blind date on the steps of the university library. She became his bride in 1958, and they moved to the Chicago area to begin their family and work life together. During his 40-year career at Grayhill, Inc., Gene traveled throughout the world in his sales management position, developing international friendships along the way. Gene was a faithful employee, but his greatest joy was his family and circle of friends. He and Judy raised a son and three daughters in LaGrange, Ill. "Nama" and "Dappa" later welcomed 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and embraced the spouses of their children and grandchildren as their own family. In 2001, Gene and Judy retired to Bella Vista, Ark., creating a new community of friendships with neighbors, golf leagues and the Bella Vista Community Church. They were married for 55 years until Judy's death in 2013. Throughout his life, Gene enjoyed happy times with friends and family while helping with projects, boating on Table Rock Lake, sharing great meals, traveling to see loved ones, and telling his trademark stories. He is survived by his son, Greg Kennedy (Connie) and his daughters, Cheri Yegge (Dan), Libby Hanaway (Rick), and Sandra Garrett (Kirk). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matt (Danielle), Brett (Nikki), Alyssa, Lily, Michael, Laura, EmJ, Claire, Zach, Truman and Noah, as well as two great-grandchildren, Cooper and Oakley. Additionally, Gene is survived by his siblings, Phil Kennedy, Eldene Spriggs, Pauline Kennedy, Mary Lou Kennedy, and Judy Christian. He was preceded in death by siblings, Beecher Bentley, Jack Bentley, Hazel Bentley Overstreet, Marilyn Bentley Reedy, Fred Bentley, and Glenn Kennedy. We've all been shaped by Gene's kindness, curiosity, patience, generosity, intelligence, humor, good wisdom and love. He will be missed. A memorial service will be held at Bella Vista Community Church on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Dr. Jeff Reed officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bella Vista Community Church, 75 East Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72714.