William Durell "Darell" "DK" Kennedy

William Durell Kennedy (“Darell” “DK”), 78, happily traded his wheels for wings on February 4, 2023 and joined the love of his life, Shirley, in the presence of Jesus. Darell’s wife of 51 years, Shirley Ann Crowe Kennedy, preceded him in death in August of 2020.

Darell was born to parents, William Talmadge Kennedy and Mary Azalee Ewing Kennedy McDonald, on July 19,1944 in Hoschton, Georgia. Darell was raised by James Bud McDonald. 

Darell was a 1962 graduate of Winder Barrow High School. His first job was with Jackson Ready Mixed Concrete in Athens, GA. After that, concrete was in his blood. In March of 1976, he opened Milo Ready Mixed Concrete in Athens, GA. After 24 years, he sold the company to Thomas Concrete where he continued to work for another 17 years. He loved his employees, co-workers, and customers dearly. In August of 2017, he was forced into retirement after falling and sustaining a spinal cord injury. After the accident, he lived the rest of his life with quadriplegia paralysis.

Darell was a member of Mars Hill Baptist Church. He loved church softball, playing golf, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. He loved his children fiercely and was a wonderful role model for being a great father. His favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren and watching them in all of their extracurricular activities. From softball, baseball, and cross country to theater and the marching band, “Papa” was always the first to arrive in his big white truck to bring snacks and support.

Survivors include his children, William Gregory Kennedy (Linda), Phyllis Ann Kennedy Hunt (Wesley); siblings, Wanda Janice McDonald McGuire, Dennis Steve McDonald, Lewis Ray McDonald; grandchildren, Baxter Hunt (Evie), Andrew Hunt, Anna Kennedy and Will Kennedy; he was very close with his in laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

He was an amazing son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, boss, co-worker and friend. He was a big jokester and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He wanted to include a special thank you for the countless friends, family members, doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers that took care of him after the accident. His favorite hymn was “Victory In Jesus” and he wants to encourage everyone to find a church home.

A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park, 3655 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA 30606 on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mars Hill Baptist Church at 2661 Mars Hill Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677 or The Shepherd Center Patient and Family Housing at 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.

Lord & Stephens is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.lordandstephens.com.

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