Paul Reed Kennedy Jr.

Paul R. Kennedy Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Friday, December 17, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society in Fairfield Glade, TN. Paul was born on September 3, 1930, in Ashtabula, Ohio to Paul and Evelyn Kennedy.

Paul attended Hanover College in Indiana and majored in economics. Following his graduation in 1952, he joined the navy as a Lieutenant Jr. Grade and served for four years as a supply officer. After his Navy service, Paul worked for the Goodyear Tire Company for 36 years in varied management positions. At one time, he was the Military Marketing Manager for all tracks that were made for the M-1 tank.

While at Hanover College, Paul met Joan Carol Efting. They were wed on August 15, 1953, in Chicago, IL. Together they raised four children: Paul, Bruce, Stephen, and Patricia. Paul’s career at Goodyear took him around the country, allowing his family to make good friends in St. Mary’s, OH, Garden Grove, CA, and Detroit, MI.

After retiring in 1993, Paul and Joan moved to Fairfield Glade, TN where he made many dear friends and was able to pursue his passion for golf. At the age of 84, Paul made a hole-in-one on #3 of the Crag Course at Heatherhurst Golf Club.

Paul was committed to a life of service both at his church and in the community. Paul had a strong faith, and his church was always very important to him. While in Fairfield Glade, he was active in the Fairfield Glade Community Church, and through the years volunteered in many capacities. He served on the Church Board, Columbarium Trust Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, and the Pastor Parish Relations Committee. He also was an usher, offering counter, and delivered DVDs of the worship service to shut-ins. Paul volunteered at the Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville, TN for over 20 years.

Paul deeply loved his family and is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joan Efting Kennedy; his children, Paul (Karen) Kennedy III, Bruce (Laura) Kennedy, Stephen (Joanne) Kennedy, and Patricia Kennedy (Melissa Miller); his grandchildren, Jeffrey (Jessica) Kennedy, Kimberly Kennedy, Kevin (Sheetal) Kennedy, and Patrick (Ami) Kennedy; and his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Taran, Carter, and Christopher Kennedy. Paul was excited for the arrival of his fifth great-grandson expected in late January 2022. Paul is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Smythe, whose husband, Richard, is deceased, and his brother-in-law, John, whose wife, Grace is deceased. Paul was preceded in death by his brother David (Connie) Kennedy.

A memorial service and celebration of Paul’s life will be held May 14, 2022, at 2 PM at Fairfield Glade Community Church, 521 Snead Dr., Crossville, TN 38558. Memorial donations can be made to Fairfield Glade Community Church. https://www.ffgcomchurch.org/