Craig William Kennedy, Sr.

SARDIS, GA - Mr. Craig William Kennedy, Sr., age 66 of 10106 Ga. Hwy. 24 S., Sardis, Ga, died Saturday, April 8, 2017, at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 12, 2017 in the Sardis Baptist Church with Rev. Nick Bates and Rev. Doug Couch officiating.  Burial will follow in the Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors.  Pallbearers will be:  James Hollingsworth, Butch Robinson, Jut Wynne, Johnny Wynne, Tracy Walker, K. O. Lively, James McMillan, Junior Rabitsch, Daniel Smith and Mickey Lovett.  Honorary pallbearers will be Georgia Coroners, Georgia Funeral Directors and American Legion Post 180.

Mr. Kennedy was a proud US Army Veteran, having served during the Vietnam War. He served in the Mortuary Grave Registration Unit. He was decorated with the Bronze Star and the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, as well as the U.S. Army Commendation Medal.  

Upon returning home in 1970, he married the former Miss Sharon Glisson and completed his tour in Frankfort, Germany. He then enrolled in Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta where he received his degree. He was subsequently licensed as a funeral director and embalmer. He and Sharon lived at DeLoach Funeral Home in Waynesboro, he was a funeral director until 1976, when he joined his father's business, Charles Hardware and Supply Company in Sardis. He later became owner.  He and Sharon opened Kennedy's Petals and Presents as well.  

In 1994, the Kennedy's sold their businesses and Mr. Kennedy returned as manager of DeLoach Funeral Home, and was subsequently named Vice-President.  The Funeral Home was known as DeLoach-Kennedy Funeral Homes for several years until his retirement in 2006. He served as Coroner of Burke County for over 20 years.

Mr. Kennedy was active in many civic affairs including serving as President of Waynesboro Exchange Club and as a director of the Chamber of Commerce.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 180. He was past Secretary of the Georgia Coroners' Association and member of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners; member of the Academy of Graduate Embalmers.  He was a member of Sardis Baptist Church.  

Survivors include his wife, Sharon G. Kennedy; two sons, Craig W. Kennedy, Jr. (Karla) of Okmulgee, OK and Patrick C. Kennedy (Kristy) of Statesboro, GA; daughter, Claudia K. Shepherd (Vance) of Macon, GA; brother, Maxwell B. Kennedy (Jean) of Sardis, GA and two grandsons.  

The Kennedy family will receive friends at 10:00 AM in the church prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one’s favorite charity.

Burke Memorial Funeral Home, 842 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830 is in charge of arrangements.

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