Henry Hyrum Kennedy

Born at home near Blackman Community, Henry was the youngest of sixteen children. He passed away at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital at 84 years of age.

Henry did not graduate High School but instead went in to the U.S. Army, Armored Division, where he obtained his General Education Diploma. Operating tanks with a tour in Vietnam, Henry served his country there and beyond, receiving several awards from the Army: Commendation Medal for Heroism, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Sharp Shooter M 14. Upon serving in Colorado, Kentucky, California, and four tours in Germany, Henry retired from twenty years of military service. He worked as a local electrician installer; retiring five years ago.

Henry was an avid skeet shooter, winning competitions, and judging competitions as well.

After his wife passed, Henry and Dixie, in a travel trailer, headed for anywhere and everywhere on the map.

He is known for his privacy, stubbornness and odd sense of humor; and for his sayings such as calling sodas and tea “swamp water”, getting a “dab” of money from the bank or referring to any "technological thing" as a “Chinese Operation”. There are many others.

Henry has five surviving children; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and extended family, not to forget his beloved dog, Dixie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jan Kennedy and one child; as well as his parents, John David Kennedy and Mary Reed.

There will be a private Celebration of Life; therefore, contact Darrel for details. Burial will be at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola at a later date.

Please send charitable donations, in lieu of flowers, to Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans.

Henry will be very much missed.

The family wished to express their appreciation to Davis Watkins Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach.