Terry Lee Kennedy Sr.

Affectionately known as “Paw-Paw” by the ones he loved the most, Terry was a son of Russell Ellwood Kennedy and Ruth Miller Kennedy. He was born August 16, 1953 in Frankfurt, Germany on a military base, where his father served in the United States Army.

He graduated from Nelson County High School in the class of 1971, where he enjoyed being part of the marching band. Soon thereafter he married his high school love, Martha Mitchell Kennedy and welcomed a son Terry Lee Kennedy Jr. He went to trade school to become a welder and with time and skill became a master at his craft. Terry and Martha welcomed two more children, Jeremy Scott Kennedy and Caitlin Christian Kennedy. Terry was a devoted father who loved nothing more than to make a living and spend time with his wife and children, whether that was on family vacations or hunting with his two sons.

Through years of hard work and dedication, he was able to achieve his dream of starting his own business, Rig Welding Service Inc, where he retired with over fifty years of experience in the welding industry.

Terry was an avid hunter and often referred to being out in the woods as his favorite place to be. He loved the quiet of the woods and said that’s where he felt the closest with God. Terry was a member of Rodes United Methodist Church for many years where he enjoyed the fellowship with other Christians and making apple butter.

He was a devoted husband of fifty wedded years to his wife, Martha Mitchell Kennedy. They both shared 6 grandchildren who brought them endless joy throughout the years: Annaleise Marie Kennedy, Wyatt Ambrose Kennedy, Harley Leeann Kennedy, Madison Riley Kennedy , Bailey Leigh Kennedy, and Auden Leigh Kennedy. He also leaves behind to treasure his memory his beloved cocker spaniel “Tucker”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell E. Kennedy and Ruth M. Kennedy; his wife, Martha M. Kennedy; his son, Scott Kennedy; a grandson, Jaxon M. Kennedy; aunts, Jean Kennedy and Mildred Carlisle; a sister-in-law, Janice Kennedy.

Family/Friends Night will be held at Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Home in Waynesboro, VA on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Rodes United Methodist Church in Afton, VA, on

Friday, September 5th, 2025 at 10:30 A.M, with Pastor Scott Robertson-Gouge officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.