Reverend Arthur Kennedy, Jr.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7 a Reverend Arthur Kennedy, Jr, son of the late Arthur Kennedy and the late Atlee Harris Kennedy James, was born on October 20, 1940 in Columbia, South Carolina. He departed this life on Monday, July 31, 2023 at Prisma Health Richland. Reverend Kennedy was educated in the public schools of Richland County, Columbia, South Carolina. He served in the United States Air Force. After returning to Columbia, he was employed on several jobs. Budget Rental, and Fairwold School as a Teacher Assistant. This is where he grew his passion for working with the disabled and specials needs. After 20+ years of service, he retired from Richland County School District One. After retirement, he worked at A. A. Dicks Funeral Home. He was a proud member of the Save Our Community Club founded by his Uncle, the late Eugene Harris, which served as a community outreach program for several nearby communities and a Mason of the Capital City Lodge. Reverend Kennedy was a member of Friendship Baptist Church where he served on several ministries. He served on the music, Senior Choir and Deacon's ministries. Upon the call from the Lord Jesus Christ, he became a licensed minister and served under Reverend A. A. Dicks, Sr. He was preceded in death by: his parents, his wife, Emma Peoples Kennedy; his sister, Mary Alice Ramey, and his grandson, Keith Dantrell Kennedy. Reverend Kennedy is survived and remembered by: his children, Carolyn E. (Eugene, Sr) Simuels, Gadsden, SC; Valerye Kennedy-Johnson, Keith D. Kennedy, both of Columbia, SC, Michael “Mike” Lawson, Irmo, SC and Arthur L. Robinson, Greenville, SC; Siblings, Lou Ella Warren, Clarence (Rena) Kennedy of High Point, NC, Macy (Retha) Hair and George (Darlene) Kennedy, all of Columbia, SC; one aunt, Claretha Laury, Columbia, SC; two sister-in-laws, Gerlene P. Mixon, Columbia, SC and Mary Peoples, Timmonsville, SC; one brother-in-law, William Peoples, Lamar, SC; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, and a host of other loving family and friends. Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 7, 2023 at Friendship Baptist Church, 1237 House Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204. Pastor A. A. Dicks, Sr., officiating. Interment to follow in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. Reverend Kennedy will lie in-state at the church one hour prior to the service. Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 6, 2023 and from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 7, 2023 at the Funeral Home. Like our Facebook page: A. A. Dicks Funeral Home - Sullivan Chapel Add our Facebook Friend Page and leave a comment: A. A. Dicks FH

Reverend Arthur Kennedy, Jr.

October 20, 1940 - July 31, 2023