Eldried Maxwell Kennedy

Greenwood Springs – Eldried Maxwell Kennedy, 91, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at Gilmore Merit Health, Amory. Born on July 23, 1924, in Lee County, he was a son of Walter Mack and Niler Pearl Addington Kennedy.

Mr. Kennedy attended Pearce Chapel and Smithville Schools. From October 1943 to December 1945, he served in the US Navy on the USS Ranger during World War II as a Seaman 1st Class. On August 20, 1949, he married Anita Knight. Mr. Kennedy was a Railway Mail Clerk in Memphis, TN, for 7 years and retired in August 1980, as a Rural Mail Carrier from the US Federal Postal Service. He was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Kennedy was a member of the DAV and National Rural Letter Carriers Association. One who treasured life and never met a stranger, he was a great storyteller who was often seen talking with folks while sitting on the bench at Wal-Mart. Good with his hands, Mr. Kennedy was an excellent carpenter. With life guided by his family and friends, he enjoyed going to Flea Markets, collecting antiques, and Indian artifacts. He loved to listen to Gospel and Bluegrass Gospel music. A gifted musician, he played the guitar, fiddle, and keyboard. After spending time at River Place for rehab, Mr. Kennedy was passionate about visiting friends who were there. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife and best friend of 66 years, Anita Knight Kennedy, Greenwood Springs; daughters, Gloria Conwill, Amory, Kathy Russell, Greenwood Springs, and Patricia Parker (Randy), Smithville; sons, Freddie Kennedy (Vickie), Baldwyn, and Harold Kennedy (Amy), Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Amanda Garner (Brent), Andrew Conwill, Kelli Slade, Kerri Wood (Kelly), Jennifer Tillman (Jeremy), Carl Parker (Krystal), Alex Parker (Hollye), Taylor Kennedy, Sara and Ben Steinkamp, April Rhinehart, and Lindsey Gresham; 12 great-grandchildren; a niece and two nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Aura, William “Bill,” and Dilmus Kennedy; and two infant brothers.

His Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, October 10, 2015, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Bro. Edward Puckett and Bro. Jeremy Tillman officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Randy, Alex, and Carl Parker; Riley Kennedy; and David Boozer. Honorary pallbearers will be Mikey Tate, Guy Dillard, Wayne Faulkner, Keith Blair, Dr. Kenneth Beeman, Chad Price, Ed Cox, and Dudley Kennedy.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Friday, at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.