Thomas Lin Kennedy Sr.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service during a reception at 3:00 p.m.

A native of Blackville, South Carolina, Thomas was born on April 23, 1954. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Mae Kennedy, natural father Morris Newton, and father Scott Kennedy.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by six brothers, Amos Kennedy, Marion Kennedy, Scott Kennedy II (aka WeeWee), James Newton, Cheyenne Newton, Calvin Newton Sr. along with one sister Lizzie Mae (Donza) Newton Queen.

Those left to cherish his memories are his sons Thomas (LizMary) Kennedy Jr. of Irmo, SC, JaWone (Vanessa) Kennedy of Summerville, SC, Brandon (Tiffany) Kennedy of Lexington, SC, his daughter LaTasha (Brandon) Kennedy Ransom of Charlotte, NC, his children’s mother, Edna Hicks Kennedy of Barnwell, SC, thirteen grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and sympathizing friends.

He is also survived by four sisters, Mary Kennedy Shipp, Shirley Kennedy, Janice Kennedy Alimonti, Alfreda Newton and along with six brothers, Vannie Newton Sr., John Newton Sr., Horace (Lavoris) Newton Sr., Joey Wright Sr., Isaac Matheny Sr., and Kevin (Colleen) Kennedy.

Thomas graduated from Suncoast High School in West Palm Beach, FL in 1973. Although he grew up in Florida, everyone loved his southern charm. He began working as an electrician at a very young age and fell in love with the trade and worked as an electrician at West Electrical Contractors in Newberry, SC for almost 40 years. He was a master electrician and his work ethic was beyond reproach.

Always dressed to impress, he loved everyone he came in contact with. He would welcome you into his life with a big hug and open arms.

Thomas was an excellent provider for his family, always making sure they had everything they needed. He enjoyed gathering with friends and family and having a great time. He loved to grill, loved ribs, and made the best breakfast.

With a huge heart, he was a giver and always willing to help those in need. He would go above and beyond for just about anybody. He was always thankful and able to compartmentalize the good in almost any situation.

Thomas loved everything about the water, you name it swimming, fishing it didn’t matter. He enjoyed basketball and his favorite player was Magic Johnson and the L.A. Lakers.

His transition comes as a great shock to us all and it has been gravely felt by his entire family & countless friends who loved him deeply.