Thomas Hugh Kennedy

On April 8, 1944, Thomas Hugh Kennedy was born to Thelma Norlin Kennedy and Maxwell Hugh Kennedy. Tom's life was a testament to adventure, resilience, and unwavering faith. It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Tom, who peacefully passed away at the age of 79 on March 4, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.

A true son of the Everglades, Tom found solace in the embrace of nature, spending cherished moments hunting and fishing amidst the whispering reeds and glistening waters. His passion for the great outdoors was matched only by his prowess on the football field, where he proudly contributed to his high school's championship team, embodying the spirit of victory that would accompany him throughout his life.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science from Florida Atlantic University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Miami, Tom embarked on a dynamic career journey characterized by innovation and determination. From his pivotal roles in marketing and business development with esteemed companies like the New York Times and Burger King to his ventures as a newspaper owner in Oklahoma and a visionary general contractor, Tom's entrepreneurial spirit blazed trails of possibility wherever he went. His quest for innovation even led him to seek multiple patents, a testament to his ceaseless drive to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Yet, amidst the bustling world of commerce, Tom's heart found its true home in the embrace of faith. In 1994, a transformative encounter with the teachings of Billy Graham ignited a profound spiritual awakening within him, as he joyfully accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. From that moment forward, Tom's life became a radiant beacon of Christian devotion and compassion. He eagerly delved into Bible studies, championed Christian youth hunting and fishing clubs, and generously shared his love for Christ through the distribution of thought-provoking Christian literature to loved ones and strangers alike.

As we gather to honor Tom's memory, we hold dear the cherished moments we shared with him and the profound impact he had on our lives. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in the enduring legacy of love, faith, and adventure that he leaves behind. Tom is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Thelma and Maxwell Kennedy, and he is survived by his devoted wife, Pat Gunn, his brother John Kennedy and wife Lorinda, his sons Michael (and wife Tracey), Brian (and wife Meredith), and Lane Kennedy, his daughter Jourdan Kennedy, and his seven cherished grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to join us in celebrating Tom's remarkable life at a memorial service to be held at Northern Hills United Methodist Church on Friday, April 12th, at noon, with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider making a donation to the Bible Fund at Northern Hills UMC, honoring Tom's enduring commitment to spreading the light of God's word.