Kerry Linn Kennedy

Kerry Linn Kennedy was born in Austin, Texas, on March 24, 1950, to Joe and Hazle Kennedy, both from Dublin, Texas, and grew up alongside his older brother, Larry. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 20, 2026. It was a peaceful passing – Jesus called, and he took his final breath here and his first breath in Heaven.

Kerry was very proud to be a native Austinite. He graduated from McCallum High School in 1968, and from The University of Texas at Austin in May of 1972, with a BBA in Accounting, becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 1974. While at UT, he played snare drum in the Longhorn Band and served as the percussion section leader. His band director, Vincent R. DiNino, respected his leadership and skills so much that he chose Kerry to play in the opening scene of The Darrell Royal Show, which aired on Sunday afternoons. In June of 1972, Kerry married Gwena Cearley, with whom he shared many meaningful years. Together they had two children, Lynnae in 1975, and Shannon in 1980, who passed in 1992. In a later season of life, he was blessed to marry Brenda in 1999, and they built a life filled with love and companionship.

Kerry’s career began while still in high school as the assistant manager of The Fox Theater, where he was mentored by Jack Fleming, the owner. Some of his favorite memories were of his time there. His professional career began in 1972 as an auditor at Peat Marwick. Kerry was energized by new challenges and felt God moving he and Gwena to co-found, with good friends, the Shaffers, the Ark Christian Bookstore on Anderson Lane in 1979. His career also included roles at The Texas Hospital Association and MBank/Bank One, before spending 25 years in executive leadership in public higher education business administration with The University of Texas System, retiring from UTSA in January 2015. His ability to encourage his employees to work with excellence every day, along with his innovative ideas and dry wit, made him a success and working with him a pleasure. During his career he forged lifelong friendships with his colleagues.

Kerry would say that his greatest accomplishment in life was not his career but the blessing of being a devoted husband, a loving father, and a one-of-a-kind Papa to his grandchildren. He faithfully showed up celebrating birthdays, attending events and cheering them on in every season. His playful spirit, constant smile, and deep love made each of them feel truly cherished.

The Lord blessed Kerry with many gifts including his leadership skills and teaching abilities, which were valued by many who had the privilege of being members of life groups that he and Brenda led over their 26 years of walking with the Lord together. He was an avid reader who loved books and learning. God’s Word was his favorite book to read, as one can tell by the many notations in the margin of his Bible. He was a man of faith, never wavering from his love of his Lord. His life verse was Gal. 2:20. Kerry enjoyed writing and spent many hours in his office typing stories of his memories through memoir tools given to him as gifts from Lynnae. Another hobby Kerry pursued (after much encouragement from Brenda) was dancing. They spent years in San Antonio learning ballroom dancing, and after moving to Sun City, square dancing with friends.

Kerry was preceded in death by his daughter, Shannon, and his parents, Joe & Hazle Kennedy. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; children: Lynnae Kucera (Joe), Jamie Buis (Jordan), and TJ Grounds (Mandi); his beloved grandchildren: Caleb, Alyssa, Brooks, Case, Lily, Serena, Elijah, Kaelob, Kaylee and Scarlett; his brother, Larry Kennedy (Karan); his nephews Patrick Kennedy and Brian Kennedy (Christina), their children Taylor, Avery, and Leighton; and In-laws Judy & Joe Regitz (and family) and Patti & Tony Trumps (and family).

Kerry, though our hearts are sad, we rejoice in knowing you have arrived at your forever home, free of the body that held you captive for so many years here. You leave a legacy of love, faith, wisdom and kindness that will continue to bear fruit. When God called you home, we know you heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share in your master’s happiness!” Mt. 25:21

Memorial donations can be made in Kerry’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Make A Wish Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628, on April 11, 2026, at 10:00 am.