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Jack Lester Kennedy, PhD

03-21-2023-jack-kennedy

Jack Lester Kennedy, PhD, of Register, Georgia died at home on March 20, 2023, in the presence of his wife Evelyn.

Jack was born January 26, 1939, the son of R. Jack and Ann Story Kennedy of Collins, Ga. He graduated Collins High School, attended Georgia Southwestern College, Georgia Southern College and Emory University. While attending college he spent 6 years serving in the National Guard. After graduating he worked for the Georgia Department of Health as an Epidemiologist then returned to Collins operating Kennedy Farm Supply & Right of Way business. In 1969 he began his career with State of Georgia as an Administrative Law Judge. He retired after 34 years hearing cases mostly in southeast Georgia.

Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Evelyn Luise Mataxas Kennedy. Jack was a devoted father and family patriarch. He enjoyed being Poppy to his family and was extremely proud of his four children & their spouses, Jack Wesley (Tammy), Deidre Denise (Randy) Timothy Dickinson (Cheri) and Kimberley Dawn (Joseph); 12 grandchildren, William (Whitney), Holland, Elijah, Judson, Adam (Kelsey), John Daniel (Alana), Alexander, Jessica, Hannah (Jared), Austin, Jack, and Ethan; and three great-grandsons, A.J., Waylon & Hendley. He also leaves to remember him three sisters, Karen DeValois of Berkeley, Ca., Locklyn Brewer (Tony) of Kingsland, Ga., and Beth King (Mike) of Marietta; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews. He will be missed by his two dogs SallieMae & Tweedle.

After retirement Jack found great pleasure in moving to rural area around Adabelle Community. He was an avid wood worker, built many outbuildings around the family home as well as furniture. Jack was active in a variety of professional organizations & was past president of Georgia Chapter International Association of Personnel in Employment Security. He was instrumental in forming Statesboro Noon Lions Club and went on to become District Governor for Georgia Lions District 18 B and Council Chair for Georgia Lions Clubs International. He was awarded the International Melvin Jones Fellowship on 6 occasions.
Jack & Evelyn travelled extensively after retirement. At first travel around Georgia, then thirty-eight of the U.S. States as well as in Europe, Asia, Canada, and Mexico.

Jack was a member of Pittman Park United Methodist Church, and a Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Pittman Park United Methodist Church. The Reverend Dr. Jonathan Smith officiating. Prior to the service the family will receive visitors beginning at 10Am in the Parlor.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class.

Jack’s family appreciates the excellent care provided by Ogeechee Area Hospice. They made it possible for him to remain at home in the place he loved until he peacefully left his earthly life. Jack’s life motto was “Faith, Family, Friends then Finances”.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, PO Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459; Pittman Park UMC Reach Fund, 1102 Fair Rd, Statesboro, GA 30458; or Fixing the ‘Boro, 915 E Inman St, Statesboro, GA 30458.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.