Jerry Albert Kennedy, 82, a resident of Luverne, passed away unexpectedly in Montgomery on Friday, Jan. 5. Funeral services for Jerry will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from the Chapel of Turners Funeral Home with Archbishop Michael Simmons officiating. He will then be interred alongside his beloved wife in Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. 

Jerry was born and raised in Luverne, Alabama and, as the oldest of eight children, he was an exemplary role model for his younger siblings. In 1964, he was drafted and was sent to The DMZ of Korea as part of the First Calvary division once his training was complete. He was proud to serve his country and wore his First Cav patches proudly. Upon return from his military service, he met and married the love of his life, Dartha Jo Kennedy. They met at Hicks Inc., where they worked together for over 40 years, and they remained completely devoted to each other for 44 years. His selfless devotion to his wife and children was grounded in his faith and love of Jesus Christ. Not only was Jerry a faithful member of Alpha and Omega Church, but he also firmly believed in a life of service to others. With a humble spirit, he shared the gospel with everyone he encountered through his good deeds and kind words. He was not quick to speak, but when he did it was with wisdom and, sometimes, his wonderfully dry sense of humor.

He loved spending time with family and thanks to his love of photography his family has been blessed with precious memories. He especially loved to photograph butterflies and flowers, mostly from his garden. Jerry had a green thumb to be envied and his roses and dahlias were beautiful. He would often take bouquets to those that he thought might enjoy them, and he always made sure Dot had her favorites. He will be missed by all those who loved him, but we know we will be reunited one day.   

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Dartha Jo Kennedy; parents, Willard Stoddard and Lottie Lucille Carter Kennedy; and brothers, Willard Gayle Kennedy and Steve M. Kennedy. He is survived by his two beloved children, Dartha Gail Kennedy and Derek Anthony Kennedy; siblings, Sue (Wayne) Blackmon, Allen (Audrey) Kennedy, Barbara (Michael) Daniels, Katherine (Danney) Yates, and Victor (Pamela) Kennedy; a host of loving nieces and nephews; and his feline companion, Casper.