Kenneth Kennedy

Kenneth L. "Pete" Kennedy Jr., 49, went home to heaven, on February 10, 2025, at the home he shared with his fiancé and her son in China Grove, North Carolina. Born on September 28, 1975, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, Pete grew up playing baseball, singing in his school choir, competing in 4 H horse shows and eventually finding his love for rodeo. After moving to Tucson in 1992, his success as a high school athlete earned him a rodeo scholarship to Central Arizona Community College, where he competed in bull and bareback bronc riding. Pete's determination eventually led him to professional circuits such as the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association (GCPRA) and the International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA). One of his proudest achievements was winning the 2005 IPRA Western Region title in Bareback Bronc Riding.

After retiring from competition, Pete began raising livestock and stayed involved in the rodeo community. Pete passed his love of rodeo and singing on to his son, who was a junior rodeo athlete and is now a music producer. His rodeo leadership extended to several other young athletes through coaching and serving as the Bull Riding Director for the Arizona High School Rodeo Association from 2014 to 2016. In recent years, he found joy spending time outdoors and announcing rodeos and horse shows, sharing his enthusiasm for the sport with his audiences.

Pete is survived by his beloved son Kenneth "K.C." Kennedy, who he took great pride in and considered his greatest blessing; his mother Sandra Miller; his father Kenneth L. Kennedy Sr.; his siblings Keith (Adrienne Hoxie) Amon, Melanie (Rodger) Campbell, Amanda (James) Caldwell; his fiancé Kelly Karns and his "bonus" son Nolan Karns. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Pete's legacy lives on through the lives he touched with his kindness and humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Canelo Cowboy Church, located at 14 McCarthy Ln, Elgin, Arizona, 85611. An additional Celebration of Life will take place in Franklin, Pennsylvania, at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Concussion Legacy Foundation: https://concussionfoundation.org/