Wayne was born December 4, 1947 in Lee County, NC to the late James Cameron Kennedy and Myrtle Stephenson Kennedy. He was a Vietnam veteran of the US Army where he served two tours and received two Purple Hearts. Wayne also served his community as a law enforcement officer for Morrisville Police Department and also as chief of YRAC Fire Department. He was a graduate of Wake Technical Community College and owned and operated Wayne's Plumbing, Inc. Wayne was a faithful member of Merry Oaks Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 23 years, Wanda "Suzy" Kennedy.
Wayne is survived by his daughter, Tamitha Renee Kennedy (Michael); sons, Anthony Wayne Kennedy (Shelly), and James Douglas Kennedy (Farrah); three sisters, Sue Greene (Onnie), Betty Lou Hester (Tim), Vicki Barham; two brothers, Ray Kennedy (Dottie), and Jimmy Kennedy (Kim); grandchildren, Charles Wayne, Carissa Nekole (William), Alaena Rose, Nevan Blake, Christopher Douglas, Nathaniel Luke, Emily Jade, Andrew, Alex, and Colby; and his friend and companion, Jackie Gardner.
A funeral service will be held 1pm Friday, May 27, 2022 at Merry Oaks Baptist Church, 5639 Old US Hwy 1, Moncure, NC 27559. Burial, with military honors, will follow the service at Apex Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6pm - 8pm Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society; or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Condolences may be sent to www.ApexFuneral.net