Obituary: Roger Glenn Kennedy
Roger Glenn Kennedy of La Grange, 69, entered heaven on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. He was born in Lenoir County on September 12, 1955.
His parents, Linster and Dorothy Kennedy, and his first wife, Shelby Kay Shepherd Kennedy preceded him in death. He was raised on a farm and learned to work hard at an early age and this work ethic learned from his family stayed with him his entire life. His construction career began at Oliver Glass Company in Kinston and continued for more than 20 years.
Roger and his brother, Johnny, owned and operated Kennedy Custom Construction for more than 23 years and there are many homes and businesses in Eastern North Carolina that can boast their craftmanship. Although he was a carpenter by trade, his heart was always in farming and his children have many memories of helping, harvesting, and eating tomatoes, corn, and potatoes he grew in the backyard at their home in La Grange. Roger was a longtime member of White Oak Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and was a deacon for many years.
Roger’s belief in Jesus Christ guided his life and could be witnessed in his daily actions. Roger was blessed with two wonderful and loving wives in his lifetime. He met Shelby when he was working at a car dealership, and she came to purchase a new vehicle. The one she wanted was more expensive than she could afford, so he bought it for himself and drove it to her house to ask her on a date – and their children are so glad he did! His love and dedication to Shelby was a Godsend and a comfort as she battled cancer for many years before her death in 1989.
Happiness and love blessed Roger again when he met Jeanne Mallard while doing a glass installation at Craven Community College and asked for her phone number. They spent many hours listening to Keith Whitley, riding in the dune buggy, and having long conversations. Roger always said, “It was love, love, love at sight first.” They were married in 1991. For 34 years on February 9, they made a home that children, grandchildren, friends and family, and long-lost relatives would visit to enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared on Roger’s grill and Jeanne’s chocolate pie for dessert.
These past few years during Roger’s battle with dementia, Jeanne’s devotion to Roger was unwavering as she cared for him with boundless compassion. Her selflessness and nurturing spirit were evident in every act and, much like his care of Shelby, Jeanne made sure he felt loved and supported every day.
Roger is survived by his wife, Jeanne Mallard Kennedy; son, Crandall Anderson and wife Wendy, of Hillsborough; daughter, Amanda Kay Kennedy Hudson and husband Jay, of Ayden; son, Roger Matthew Kennedy and wife Cindy, of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Jordan Anderson, Bailey Anderson, Austin Kennedy, Chloe Kennedy, and Wyatt Glenn Hudson; three brothers, Ronald Kennedy, Johnny Kennedy, and Timmy Kennedy all of Pink Hill; and several nieces and nephews.
During his battle with dementia, he was grateful for every act of kindness extended to him by his family, friends, and the caregivers at Cardinal Care of Jacksonville and Kitty Askins of Goldsboro. Even into the late stages of his illness, Roger “prayed without ceasing” asking God to bless his loved ones. The family is especially grateful for Roger’s friend and caregiver, Jeffrey “Cotton”
Howard who provided excellent care and companionship in Roger’s last few years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to White Oak Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church, 5744 Kennedy Home Road, La Grange, NC 28551 or Kitty Askins Hospice Center at 107 Handley Park Ct. Goldsboro NC, 27534. The funeral service will be held at Howard Carter Funeral Home on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm. The burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Neuse News is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to provide free, hyper-local news to Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties. The kind of news our grandparents read in a format fit for today's times.
We provide this by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
