William Kennedy Shaw II

Surrounded by his family, William Kennedy “Ken” Shaw II passed from this world into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Jackson, MS. The family will receive friends and extended family for visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Gore Springs, MS. The memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Ken was born on June 2, 1949, to William Kennedy Shaw, I and Dixie Pearl Trusty Shaw in Grenada County, MS. He was one of three brothers. Ken, Ben, and Lynn. They were raised in the Pleasant Grove Community and were all talented and musically inclined. As kids they would compete in the local talent shows, often winning 1st Place. Their manager, also known as “Mama,” made them gold vests and called their band “The Gold Diggers”. They were competing in a talent show in Memphis at the Mid-South Fair and were asked to be on a Saturday Night Show on WREC TV at the Peabody Hotel, with numerous other artists and bands performing. Ken was also a talented athlete. At the age of 12, in 1961, he played short stop for the Grenada City Baseball League, and they made it all the way to the Little League World Series. What an honor!

Ken was a graduate of John Rundle High School where he was drum major in the high school band, and a member of the stage band. He was also a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, and was voted Most Handsome. He went on to attend college at the University of Mississippi where he was a member of SAE Fraternity and the ROTC. Go Rebels!!! One of Ken’s greatest accomplishments was being a professional drummer for over 50 years. He played with artists like Ronnie Milsap, Cimmaron, Jo-El Sonnier (on the TV Show, Nashville Now), Sassy Jones, The Tangents, and proudly played with his brother Ben in The Ben Shaw Band for 15 years. Ken was also the owner of Ken’s Health Foods in Jackson, MS and Ken’s Record Shop in Byram, MS. He had the ability to light up any room he was in, and he will be remembered and loved so much for his tender heart, and his pure love of music. We have peace knowing he is fully restored and forever finding that drum beat in Heaven.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Becky Shaw. He is survived by his daughter, Emily Marciel (Matt); sons, David Shaw and Ethan Shaw (Lauren); granddaughters, Hannah Keen, Madison Watkins, and Tristan Marciel; brothers, Ben Shaw (Paula) and Lynn Shaw (Lisa); and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com.