Rev. Thomas William Kennedy

Reverend Thomas William Kennedy, 88, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 23, 2022. He was the pastor of Forest Heights Baptist Church for 23 years before retiring from his many years of service in churches both here in FL and in AL. Not one to be idle, he then served 10 years as the Director of Missions for Gadsden County. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Carol Sullivan Kennedy. Together they have three sons, David (Mary), Alan (Carolyn), and Russell, seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and a brother, Danny Kennedy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Thelma Raley Kennedy, and a brother, Wayne Kennedy, all of Dothan, AL. Tom and Carol, high school sweethearts, made their first home together in Birmingham, AL where he attended Howard College (now Samford University). The family grew there with the addition of two sons, David and Alan. Upon graduation, they moved to LA where Thomas earned a Master of Divinity degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1963. He was called to his first staff position by Immanuel Baptist Church of Panama City, FL. From there, God led him to serve churches in Chiefland, Bradenton, Enterprise and Elba (both in AL), and Tallahassee. A third son, Russell, completed their family during his pastorate in Chiefland. Both he and Carol felt strongly about the teaching of God’s word and equipping others to do so, as well. They taught at conference centers and area churches, discipling Sunday School teachers and leaders for many years. Tom had a true gift for ministering to those who were hurting. It was a priority of his to visit and pray with church members who were in hospital. He trained as a member of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team and also made regular visits to the Margaret Z. Dozier Hospice House, bringing comfort to families and their dying loved ones. He had a strong passion for football and was a standout kicker for Dothan High School and the team at Howard College. A love for Alabama (Roll Tide!) coursed through his veins and he enjoyed attending many games with his brother, Danny. Running was another passion and he logged countless miles on his daily runs through the years. Tom was quite famous for his noontime runs, no matter the temperature. “Hey, Tom, I saw you running down Tharpe Street the other day” could be heard often after church services on Sunday and Wednesday. Another love was writing. He studied extensively before carefully composing each sermon. Tom often wrote little poems and love notes to Carol. His biggest dream was achieved recently when he authored and published his life story, From a Dirt Road to a Dream Realized. He loved his family which grew to quite the number. The grandkids hold very fond memories of growing up in church, taking part as angels and shepherds at the yearly Christmas Eve service at the FHBC Live Nativity, and going to breakfast at Cracker Barrel for some special “Grandad time.” Being a pastor, it was his great honor to baptize his loved ones. He dedicated each of his grandchildren to the Lord as babies and prayed for them daily. He also performed the weddings of each of his three sons and five of his grandchildren. All beautiful testaments to his love for the Lord and a great legacy of faith for us to continue. Funeral services for Reverend Kennedy will be held at 10:00 AM, EST, Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Bevis Funeral Home Chapel, 200 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, FL. 32303. Interment will be held at 2:00 PM, CST, at Memory Hill Cemetery, Dothan AL, 2414 Hartford Highway, Dothan, AL. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions made be made in Reverend Kennedy's name to Big Bend Hospice. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Kennedy family with their arrangements.

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Rev. Thomas William Kennedy

May 14, 1934 - October 23, 2022