Richard Louie Kennedy, 87, of East Palatka, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following an extended illness. A native of Riverdale, Florida, Louie had resided in Putnam County since 1965. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II. Louie worked as a water plant operator with Georgia Pacific for 38 years. He was a 50 year mason with Hastings Lodge #138 F&AM;, a member of the Putnam County Shrine Club and St. Augustine Chapter #12 of the Order of Eastern Star as well as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Louie enjoyed fishing and water activities and spending time with his family, especially the grandkids. He had also been a member of the “Rolling Wig-Woms” travel group.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Christine Sutton Kennedy, 3 sons, John R. Kennedy and wife Roxane, Donald W. Kennedy and wife Wanda and Louie Reese Kennedy, all of Palatka, 2 daughters, Lana K. Bunton and husband Ray and Beverly K. Carter and husband James, all of Palatka, 3 sisters, Nita Bell, Tish Taylor and Frances Adkins, 2 brothers, Michael Kennedy and DeWitt Kennedy, 9 grandchildren, Matthew Kennedy, Brent Kennedy, Phillip Kennedy, Daniel Kennedy, Blythe Byrd, Shannon Cagan, Marisa Casillas, Alexis Bunton and Ray Bunton, III and 16 great-grandchildren.
Services celebrating Louie’s life will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Rev. John Bennett officiating. Hastings Lodge #138 and Order of Eastern Star Chapter #12 as well as the U.S. Army will also conduct their respective rites at the chapel. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 P.M. at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial contributions may be sent to Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177 or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Louie’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.