Curtis Roland Kennedy

1922 - 2025

Curtis Roland Kennedy

April 1, 1922 - December 1, 2025

On December 1, 2025, Curtis Roland Kennedy, at the remarkable age of 103, passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior. He was well-accomplished, well-respected, well-loved, and will be missed.

Curtis was born on April 1, 1922, on his family farm in Moore County, NC. He attended Rankin High School in Greensboro, where on Graduation night, he saw "the prettiest girl he had ever seen" and persuaded her to go out on their first date. Mary "Lib" Paisley Kennedy then became his wife of almost 70 years upon her passing.

Curtis began his career in the electrical field at Starr Electric in Greensboro. He served in WWII in the United States Navy as an electrician supporting radar for the naval fleet. After the war, he returned to Starr Electric. He became the Chief Electrical Inspector for Guilford County. He was named the first Executive Director for the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors in 1970, and later Chairman of the Board, with "The Kennedy Board Room" in Raleigh named in his honor. He continued to serve on the Board well past retirement, winning many Honors, Achievements, and Distinguished Service Awards.

Curtis loved the Lord and the church. He was a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church since 1946. He served in many capacities, including a Sunday School teacher, Staff Parish, Chairman of the Administrative Board, and many other committees. He kept the lights on and electricity flowing whenever called upon. He received recognition from the church with "The Cross and Flame Award," Mission Recognition Pin, and "Layperson of the Year."

Curtis was active in his community. He was instrumental in the establishment of the McLeansville Volunteer Fire Department and served as Chairman of the McLeansville Fire District Commission. He was a charter member of the McLeansville Lions Club from 1960 until his passing. "The Lion Curtis Kennedy Stew Room" is named in his honor. He received the highest award in Lionism, "The Melvin Jones Fellow Award," along with many other recognitions. He was a Mason in the P.P. Turner Masonic Lodge #746 and was the first to be raised to degree of Master Mason in 1969. He loved the Boy Scouts of America and, in 1947, became the first Scout Master for the troop at Mt. Pleasant UMC. He guided 68 young men to the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1970, he received the highest honor bestowed upon an adult in scouting, the Silver Beaver Award.

Curtis did all this while enjoying his family, and his loves of gardening, golfing, playing Rook, and traveling. We all loved his famous Red Hots, pancakes at our big family breakfasts. PawPaw gave driving lessons to the grands and great-grands, first on lawn mowers, then real cars on the "ball diamond" yard. He never sold a vegetable but loved to share all he grew with everyone…especially his watermelons!

God welcomed Curtis home for a glorious reunion with his beloved wife, Lib; his parents, Joseph Astor and Sarah Sanders Kennedy; his brothers, Bill, Richard, and David Kennedy; his sisters, Marie Strickland, Myrtle Strickland, and Dot Kivett; as well as his precious daughter, Mary Frances "Fran" Kennedy Sherrill and her husband, Jerry. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted son, Curtis "Roland" Kennedy, Jr.; his grandchildren, Deana Sherrill King and husband, Randall, Curtis "Curt" Sherrill and wife, Robin, and Jennifer Kennedy Vail and husband, Drew; and his great-grandchildren, Andrew and Ethan King, Lance Dodson, and Addison and Zachary Sherrill. He was also blessed by his many nieces, nephews, and their children. Curtis will be remembered for his warmth, helpfulness, and the positive impact he made on all those around him.

The family will be accepting visitors at Forbis & Dick Funeral Service, 1118 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, on Thursday, December 4th, from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 5th at 12 p.m., with burial services following in the church cemetery at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 5120 Burlington Road, Greensboro, NC 27405. Any donations may be bestowed upon Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.

Forbis & Dick Funeral Service

1118 N Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401