Truman H. Kennedy, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at home February 21, 2018. Born in the Ukraine, he was the son of Truman H. Kennedy, Sr. and Juanita T. Kennedy. Truman was the founder/owner of Kennedy’s 60 Minute Dry Cleaners in Daytona Beach, which is now owned and operated by his son, Charles, as Kennedy Cleaners.
Truman graduated from Staunton Military Academy in 1950, and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves while attending Florida Southern College, where he earned his B.S. in Business. Upon graduation, he worked for Union Carbide in accounting and sales for 17 years. After moving to Daytona Beach in 1967, he fulfilled his lifetime dream of owning his own business, which he owned and operated until his retirement.
He met and married, as he so fondly referred, “my little redhead”, Barbara, in 1972. Between the two, and the merging of two families, they had seven children. Truman and Barbara enjoyed traveling, with Savannah, Williamsburg, and Gatlinburg, where they owned a timeshare, being their favorite spots. They also enjoyed Caribbean cruises and The Florida Keys, and spending time with family and friends. They spent their Summer’s camping at Silver Glen Springs, until moving to Astor to live on The St. John’s River, returning to Ormond Beach after 14 years.
Truman had a passion for flying, and was a Pilot, enjoying his passion well into his 60’s. He was a member of the AOPA. He and Barbara were also members of the Halifax River Yacht Club for many years.
Truman was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Barbara, a sister, Patricia Wood, a daughter, Susan DelPercio, and a granddaughter, Leighann Kennedy.
Truman is survived by his sons, Truman H. Kennedy, III (Susi), Charles T. Kennedy (Carala), Michael Siebenaler, and daughters, Virginia Hoffman (Joe), and Dede Siebenaler, a sister, Virginia West (Clayton), a brother in law, William Wood, IV, 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn Truman’s passing, is “man’s best friend”, his black Labrador, Blackie. Blackie was a gift from his wife, Barbara, and the two were inseparable, traveling and spending memorable times with family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 12, 2018, Truman’s birthday, 11am at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home 548 N. Nova Road Ormond Beach, FL, with Chaplain Mark Spivey officiating.
Truman’s request was in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to Halifax Humane Society 2364 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
“I’ve had a great life, now go and celebrate it!” - Truman H. Kennedy, Jr.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18