Stephen Paul Kennedy

Born September 15, 1947 in Eldorado, IL, he was a son of the late Ralph Harry and Harriet Lillian (Bishop) Kennedy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roger Kennedy; and a sister, Tammy Myers.

Steve was a U.S. Navy veteran having served his country honorably aboard the USS Newport News during the Vietnam War where he served as a Fire Control Technician (Missile Guidance Systems). He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. Professionally, Steve was a photocopier technician and was highly interested in electronics and embraced new technology. He was employed by Ropho Sales in Salem, VA and then worked for Vision Business Solutions after he moved to North Carolina in 1994. In North Carolina, he serviced all of Wake Forest University, which was a highlight of his career. In 2001, he moved back to Virginia, changed careers and worked for Waco Inc. as an Industrial Insulation Superintendent until he retired. He was a member of the Staunton VFW Post 2216 and the USS Newport News Association where he proudly served as the webmaster on their website for a number of years. Steve will be remembered as an avid fisherman, someone who loved to play a game of Texas Hold’em and adored his family —especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride. Steve had a generous heart and a deep sense of compassion; never wanting to see anyone struggle and would go out of his way to help those in need, no matter the circumstance.

Survivors include his two daughters, Angela Kennedy Williams and husband, Thomas, of Independence, LA and Elizabeth Kennedy Weber of Harrisonburg, VA; four grandchildren, Marvin Long (Special), Kadie Kennedy, His namesake, Stephanie Madison Kennedy, and Liam Weber; four great-grandchildren, Divantay Long, Isaiah Long, Marvin J. Long, and Mya Long; brother, George Kennedy and wife, Shawnee, of Stuarts Draft; sister, Sharron Kennedy Dalton and husband, Stanley, of Ringgold, VA; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 1870 Stuarts Draft Highway, Stuarts Draft with Pastor Dave Chappell officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, George and Shawnee Kennedy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation online by visiting https://www.komen.org/ or Shriners Children’s online by visiting https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en?campaign=655734

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Stuarts Draft.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com