Gene Edward Kennedy

Gene Kennedy

January 20, 1937 – September 26, 2025

Gene Kennedy, age 88, of Beltsville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025.

Born in Newton, North Carolina, on January 20, 1937, Gene ("Bro") was the son of the late Sarah Rebecca Ramsey Kennedy and Manuel Kennedy, Sr. Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was honorably discharged. Following his military service, Gene pursued higher education and graduated from his beloved North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1963. He went on to continue his service to the nation through a long and distinguished career as an auditor beginning with the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, later with the U.S. Department of Education, and retired from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Faith was central to Gene's life, and he was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of College Park, Maryland, for over 35 years. At First Baptist, Gene joyfully served as a member of the Men's Chorus, the Board of Trustees, and as Chairman of the Deacon Board.

Outside of work, he enjoyed supporting and cheering his children on as they participated in various sporting events. Gene also served the Beltsville Boys and Girls Club in several executive roles. Most of all, Gene enjoyed spending time with his brothers and sisters, his children, and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family will fondly remember how he often blessed family gatherings with his powerful prayers. Gene was a principled man who lived each day guided by honor and integrity. Loyal and faithful, he devoted himself fully to his family, his friends, and his faith. Those blessed to know him will remember not only his steadfast character but also the love and commitment he showed in every relationship.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Frances S. Kennedy; his daughter, Sharon Kennedy McClelland; his sisters, Carolyn Kennedy Person, Helen Kennedy Elliott, and Eleanor Kennedy Forbes; and his brother, Manuel Pat Kennedy, Jr.

He is survived by his children, Brian Kennedy (Kimberly), Karen Kennedy, Daryl Kennedy (Tanina), and Dwayne Kennedy; his son-in-law, Ernest McClelland; his grandchildren, Brian Kennedy II (Brianna), Kendall Kennedy (Esther), Malik Kennedy, Kaci Kennedy, Yvette Kennedy, Jada Kennedy, Kathleen Tran, Mya McClelland, and Joshua McClelland; and his great-grandchildren, Zion Kennedy, Zora Kennedy, and Elijah Kennedy. He is also survived by his sisters, Frances R. Kennedy and Alfreda Kennedy Jackson; his brothers, C. Ray Kennedy (Cynthia) and James Kennedy (Margretta); and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will cherish his memory.

Gene's life will be celebrated with a homegoing service at First Baptist Church, College Park, on October 11. The viewing is at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Following the service, the interment will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, love, and support during this time.