John "Jack" Bell Kennedy, Jr., age 78, of Dutch Valley passed away Monday, Dec 29, 2014, at his home.
Jack was born to John and Mary Dail Kennedy on May 11, 1936 in Dutch Valley. An only child, Jack graduated from Clinton High School before setting off for the Air Force. While he came back with many stories of the Far East he was quick to say that nothing compared to his home in Dutch Valley. He attributed much of his success in life to the values he learned growing up in the Valley. This is also where he grew to love the outdoors and his Tennessee Volunteers.
Jack spent his early years working for Continental Can in Chicago, IL, where he met and married his wife, Marjory. During that time he had six patents issued in his name. He spent the rest of his career in the powder paint industry. Traveling for work enabled him to travel internationally and visit every state in the country except for Alaska and South Dakota.
After leaving Chicago Jack and Marjory moved to Bel Air, MD. Over the next 34 years they raised four children in their house on Lancelot Lane. In 2010, Jack returned to the home in which he grew up in Dutch Valley.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, also of Dutch Valley, John and Mary Kennedy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Marjory Kennedy; three sons Arthur Kennedy and David Kennedy and wife Lisa of Bel Air, MD, and Larry Kennedy and wife Shannon of Boiling Springs, NC; daughter Pam DeGraffenreid and husband James, of Marlow, TN; and, grandchildren Jake Kennedy, TJ DeGraffenreid, Nate Kennedy, Ella Kennedy, Frank Kennedy, Jason Kennedy, William Kennedy, and Sydney Kennedy.
The family will have a memorial service at Holley Gamble Funeral Home at 11 am on Friday, January 2, 2015. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Anderson County Tennessee Humane Society. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.