Gordon Kennedy passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the age of 96. He was born in 1929, the son of the late John Lee Kennedy and the late Carolyn Glass Kennedy. He was the first in his family to be born in the hospital. He attended high school and completed one year of college at Berry College in Rome GA. While many of his peers were learning to drive, he was taking flying lessons. 

On October 25, 1952, Gordon married Jean Johnson, who was his loving wife, by his side for the rest of his days. October would have been their 74th wedding anniversary.

One of his first careers was serving as a dispatcher for the Georgia State Patrol. Later in life, Gordon worked as a seed and feed specialist for many companies, including VR Bush Company, U.S. Agri-Chemicals Corporation, Dublin Seed Company, and is remembered throughout the Albany area as “the Charles Chips man”.

He also worked at Calvary Baptist Church, where he was a member for 50 years. He was actively involved in the congregation as a ladies' Sunday school teacher, a Deacon, and chairman of the Deacons. He later transferred his membership to Avalon Methodist, where he remained for 20 years.

Gordon’s favorite bible verse was John 9:1-25. He loved hymns and music that echoed his deep faith in Christ. His favorite hymns were Blessed Assurance, He Touched Me, Victory in Jesus, On The Other Side, Knowing You’ll Be There, and Before the Hammers Could Ring. He also loved to watch the Gaithers on television.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and talking to them on the phone whenever he could. He was a great storyteller and would regale anyone who would listen with the latest stories from his grandchildren or great-granddaughters. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest treasures. 

He was a joyful man, remembered for his loud, contagious laugh. Generous to a fault, he often took in family members from time to time. Even in his death, he continues to help others as an organ donor. He is also remembered as a loyal family man who loved family vacations, especially Tybee Island, GA, and Pigeon Forge, TN. He enjoyed traveling for work as well, and after his retirement, drove vehicles all over the state for local dealerships. He appreciated a thick burger, Reese’s, biscuits, and a good cup of coffee. He took great pride in his rose bushes, working in his yard, and often spending hours outside. When he came inside to cool off, he would enjoy a NASCAR race.

Gordon is predeceased by his son Larry Thomas Kennedy, and both of his parents. He is survived by his spouse, Jean Kennedy; his daughters, Jill Henrichs and Meg Bishop (Hale); his grandchildren, Blair & Amy Tripp, Brent Watson, Katelyn and Tim Boyd, Michael Patrick Kennedy, John Thomas Kennedy, Taylor & Brian Deal, and Abi & Zac Moore; as well as his great grandchildren, Berkeley, Savannah, & Brandon Tripp, Timothy & Benjamin Boyd, Adyson & Emilynne Watson, Briar Deal, and Georgi Moore.

A memorial service will be held at Avalon Methodist Church in Albany, Georgia on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM.