Harold Kennon

On Thursday afternoon, April 10, 2025 at 2:33 PM, Elder Harold Kennon , eighty-one (81) of Princeton, North Carolina, changed from mortal to immortality. He finished his race, crossed the finish line where he is compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. Elder Kennon transitioned emersed in an atmosphere of praise and worship with a shout of glory on his lips, surrounded by his loving family and friends. A devoted servant of God, Harold’s life was a living testimony to his unwavering faith, tireless work ethic, and enduring love for his family and community.

Born on May 4, 1943, in Princeton, North Carolina, Harold was raised in Johnston County and educated in the local school system. Determined to continue learning, he later earned his high school equivalency diploma. From an early age, Harold displayed a strong mechanical aptitude and an unrelenting dedication to hard work. He began his career working at two local lumberyards before launching his own lawn care and lawnmower repair business – a venture he faithfully operated until 2024.

Even as he approached his ninth decade of life, Harold remained active and industrious. He operated his lawncare business, his lawnmower repair business, and he worked full-time in the maintenance department at Walmart until the age of eighty (80) embodying a spirit of diligence that never wavered with time.

Harold had a lifelong passion for engines and machinery. Widely known as the go-to mechanic within his family and neighborhood, he could often be found tinkering with machines well into his senior years. His curiosity extended beyond traditional tools; he also enjoyed experimenting with modern technology—tablets, cell phones, and remote controls—often resulting in humorous moments fondly remembered by those around him. This minister of the gospel, dad, granddad, Papa, uncle. friend, brother-in law, cousin, chauffer, neighbor, cook, electrician, babysitter, counselor, teacher of the art of how to tie a necktie, mechanic, yard care specialist and most importantly a Man of God will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

At the heart of Harold’s life was his deep commitment to his faith. An ordained elder with over forty years in ministry, he pastored three churches and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ with boldness and joy. Known for his fervent praise and unshakable devotion to God, Elder Kennon left an indelible spiritual legacy. Whether preaching from the pulpit or breaking into spontaneous song during worship services, his love for the Lord radiated through every fiber of his being. His signature shout—complete with a hand on the lower back and a spirited spin—became a cherished expression of worship throughout churches in the Princeton area.

One of Harold’s final declarations encapsulated the essence of his journey: “I ain't worried about dying. I just wanna be right when I do.” True to these words, he entered eternal rest praising God with his final breath.

Harold leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Tina Ray; sons Tony Ray Darden and Richard Darden (Joann); grandchildren Jefferey Rawlings, Cory Daniels (Dawn), Travis Drawhorn (Ingrid), Sherri Darden Jones, Christopher Crawford, Rayshaun Crawford, and Amber Darden; sixteen great-grandchildren AJ McMillan, Destini Dennis, Joshua Daniels, Elijah Dennis, Matthew Daniels, Tyree Battle, Stephen Daniels, Andrew Daniels, Danielle Darden, Nathan Daniels, Harmonie Rawlings and Jason Daniels; one great-great-grandchild Cameron Sallee; three brothers-in-law Morris Rawlings, Larry Rawlings and Connie Artis; one sister-in-law Linda Brown; two devoted nephews Alvin Joyner and Darrell Raynor; along with a host of other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends far too numerous to name but beloved as well. A special note of thanks to Oak Street Health and Valerie Richardson, his caregiver, for providing such amazing care.

He now rejoins in eternal peace his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Clara (Chick) Kennon; his mother Annie Bagley; sister Deloris Ann Artis; brothers James Alvin Kennon, John Kennon, and Donald Ray Kennon; grandson Michael Rawlings; granddaughter Malika Darden; great-grandson Aaron Daniels; a nephew, Norman Joyner and nieces Marsha Neal and Yvette Pendleton.

Elder Harold Kennon’s life was a powerful example of faith in action. May his memory continue to inspire all who knew him to walk boldly in purpose and praise.