Kendell Wherry

1926 - 2016

Wherry, Kendell In the mid-1960's, Kendell Wooldridge Wherry was the first Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida permanently assigned full time to the Orlando office. He passed away on March 4, 2016 at age 89. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family and for his public service record. During his 43 years with the Department of Justice, he was given awards many times for demonstrating extraordinary commitment to the office's mission. Kendell had a reputation for being an honest and ethical attorney and a gentleman. He was the recipient of two Attorney General Awards, one in 1989 and one in the year 2000 for recognition of his outstanding service. His family understood his passion for his work. According to District Judge Harvey Schlesinger, a former fellow prosecutor and friend, District Judge George C. Young and Kendell Wherry were the "dynamic duo" of the Middle District in those early years. They handled cases ranging from school desegregation, civil rights and the space program, to racketeering, gambling, illegal drug and alcohol distribution, bribery and corruption. Kendell was born to Byron and Dorothy Wherry in Chicago, Illinois, on April 13, 1926. He had one brother, Byron T. Wherry, Jr. All three preceded him in death. Kendell was a star athlete in high school, excelling in many sports. Immediately upon graduation from Hyde Park High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two years during World War II. Returning home to Illinois, Kendell embarked on a baseball career and played on the farm team for the Brooklyn Dodgers. An attorney friend in Chicago inspired Kendell to study law. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and then enrolled in law school at the University of Miami. There, he met the love of his life, Lila Abraham, who was working for the Dean of the Law School. They were married on October 4, 1957 in Coral Gables, Florida. The couple moved to Tampa, where they began careers serving the federal judiciary for the Southern District of Florida. Kendell worked for Chief Judge Barker and Lila worked for Judge Whitehurst. Kendell is survived by his wife, Lila; his three adult children, Kendell (Michelle), Karin and Kim (Mitch); eight grandchildren, Hannah, Kayla, Marshall, Dana, Nick, Natalya, McKenna and Kate. To honor Kendell, a memorial service will be held on Monday, March 21, 2016 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the Knowles Memorial Chapel, Rollins College. Inurnment will follow the service at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Brevard County. Arrangements are being handled by DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland.