Rodger Dale Kennedy was born on October 12, 1943 in DeKalb, Texas. He was the 5th of 12 children born to Jack and Juanita Johnson Kennedy. To all who knew him, Rodger was a man of possessing a tough exterior and a “teddy bear” heart. Rodger enjoyed simple things like hunting, fishing, gardening, and spinning his many tales to anyone who would listen. His devotion to family and friends is an example for his children and grandchildren to follow. Rodger was a graduate of DeKalb High School. On January 26, 1979, Rodger and Mary were married, enjoying 40 years of love and friendship. Rodger worked for several years at Texas Instruments followed by working with the Greenville ISD Cafeteria maintenance department. He loved fishing, hunting, and playing dominoes.
Rodger is survived by his wife, Mary Wood Kennedy; son & daughter-in-law, David Shawn and Amanda Kennedy of Key Largo, Florida; daughter, Shawna Ann Kennedy of Mesquite, Texas; grandsons, Zachary Kennedy and Tyler Kennedy, Kenny Lasseter, Wyatt Kennedy and Tristan Kennedy; granddaughters, Jessica Kennedy, Peyton Riveiro, and Bailey Kennedy, great-granddaughters, Avery Kennedy and Lyla Kennedy. Rodger is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, James and Sally Kennedy of Greenville; sister and brother-in-law, Lynda and Bob Crane of Plano, sisters, Susie Shafer and Karen Kennedy of Wylie, brothers-in-law, Larry Shaffer, David Orrick, and sister-in-law, Beverly Kennedy and Vicky Kennedy. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Rodger was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Eugene, Thomas Wayne, Kenneth, and Robert Terry; sisters, Kay Shaffer, Sharon Webb and Jackie Orrick.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Kennedy, Tyler Kennedy, Bob King, Jimmy Philpot, Jerry Heard, and Charlie McKamey.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Moore and James Glen Kennedy.
Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M., Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Matthew Kennedy and Mr. Chuck Wood officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Friday, June 21, 2019 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memoryland Memorial Park with Mr. Paul Wood officiating.
