Charles Thomas Kennedy was born December 12, 1949 to the late Thomas Frederick Kennedy and Josetta Carrico Kennedy in St. Louis, Mo. He grew up in St. Dominic Savio Parish and attended CBC High School and Mizzou. He died at his home in Dallas on November 28, 2022 after a three year battle with cancer. The things that meant the most to Charles were his family and his pursuit of spiritual growth. He was an entrepreneur, a worldwide traveller, enjoyed sports and nature, and was a friend, mentor and sponsor to many.
After graduating from the University of Missouri with a B.S, degree in civil engineering, Charles forewent a promising opportunity in that field to move to Houston to sell sand candles from his gutted Chevy van. He parlayed that decision into creating the largest rep agency in the country at the Dallas Market Center, Kennedy Group. After selling Kennedy Group, he set his sights on the real estate market. Kennedy Details was born and became a known leader in the Aspen market, including high-end residential renovations, all of which were recognized for Charles’ signature: meticulous, attention to good work, vision, and a legendary focus on architectural details.
Charles had a true talent for living. He found great joy in nature, especially while skiing and biking. He was known for planning extensive worldwide travel adventures; New Zealand, Ireland, Thailand, Africa, Nepal, the last of which was a yachting adventure in the Galapagos with 15 members of his family in June 2022. When asked about the trip he answered “It was a giant love-in with my family”.
Charles’ pursuit of spiritual growth reflected on more than just himself. He touched innumerable people with his energy, honesty, generosity, humor and broad smile. In 2011 Charles launched the start of a non-profit entity. His vision was a dignified place where recovered volunteers could help addicts achieve sobriety based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Charles’ efforts resulted in the establishment of the Directions Recovery Campus. The campus was ultimately sold to another non-profit organization with the proceeds earmarked to continue his vision of affordable recovery with Dallas based Magdalen House.
Charles was known as Uncle Charlie to his beloved niece and nephews. But his favorite name was Grandpa. He moved back to Dallas in 2011 to share in their lives. The fondest memories include family mountain trips, days on the lake, donut Fridays, Vespa rides, late night TCBY runs and sharing hot buttered popcorn, Nasher Sculpture Center visits, the 2011 World Series at the Ballpark in Arlington and simply attending Little League games, dance recitals and graduations. Grandpa was always present and intentional.
Charles is survived by his daughter, Michelle Aldinger, her husband Aaron Aldinger and their children, Jake, Luke and Tatum Aldinger. He is also survived by his brother Tom Kennedy Jr and his children, Josh and Mariah, as well as his sister Barbara Kennedy and her sons, Andrew and Kevin.
Charles’ favorite quote: “God loves us because He is good, not because we are good”. He will be greatly missed by all who know him.
A memorial service and reception will be held at 2:30 pm on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Ave., Dallas, Texas 75204.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to one of Charles’ favored charities:
A Way Out - Provides individuals and families in crises with drugs and alcohol access to treatment and recovery support in Western Colorado. awayout.org
Contemplative Outreach - An international, interdenominational community of individuals and small prayer groups committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life. A commitment to the daily practice of Centering Prayer is the primary expression of belonging, which transcends geographical, cultural and religious differences. contemplativeoutreach.org
The Magdalen House - A Dallas based recovery community helping women achieve sobriety and sustain recovery from alcoholism at no cost and based on 12-Step spiritual principles. magdalenhouse.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Kennedy family.
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