John Robert Kennedy Jr.

It is with great sadness that the family of John (Johnny) Robert Kennedy, Jr., shares the news of his passing on March 28, 2023 at the age of 78. He courageously fought Parkinson disease for several years. John was preceded in death by Nancy Walker Kennedy, his wife of 34 years; his parents John R. Kennedy, Sr., and Daisy Bell Griffin Kennedy; his brother Jim Kennedy and wife Sarah Young Kennedy; and sister-in-law Sherry Wyatt Towers. He is survived by his wife of 20 years Judy Wyatt Sparks Kennedy; sons Bryan C. Kennedy (Susan) and Robert M. Kennedy; daughter-in-law Shelley Cler Kennedy; daughter Gina Sparks Votel (Patrick) of Minnesota; beloved grandchildren Sarah Sansom (Cody), Rebecca Kennedy, Jacob Votel, Jack Votel, Julia Kennedy, Lucas Kennedy; great-grandson Fletcher Sansom; sister-in-law Joy Walker Patterson (Richard); and brothers-in-law J.B. Towers and Larry Wyatt; nieces Karen Kennedy Rutledge (Walter) and Wanda Towers (Mike Hiser); nephew Stephen Patterson (Katie); his church family at Abernant Baptist Church in Abernant, AL; and he was blessed with a host of many friends. John was a cornerstone in his community. He was a devoted longtime member of Abernant Church where he held numerous positions including song director, chairman of deacons, and Sunday school director and teacher. He was an active member of the Abernant Masonic Lodge and the Alabama Scottish Rite. He retired from Griffin Wheel Company of Bessemer, AL after more than 35 years of dedicated service. We thank God for the blessings he gave, the Christian example he exhibited and the loving impression he left on us all. He was a loving husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed. The family would like to express appreciation to Amedisys Hospice of Tuscaloosa for the special care and attention they showed during his last days. Services will be held at McCalla Memorial Funeral Home with Visitation Friday from 6-8 pm and Funeral Saturday at Noon. A graveside service will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Bessemer. Active pallbearers will be Patrick Votel, Jacob Votel, Jack Votel, Walter Rutledge, Jeremy Rutledge, Doug McDougal and Lucas Kennedy. Honorary Pallbearers will be Cody Sansom, John Brook, Phillip Grammer, Larry Cottingham, J.B. Towers, Mike Hiser and David Walker. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Abernant Baptist Church Building Fund, 20283 Highway 216, Vance, AL 35490.

John Robert Kennedy Jr.

September 2, 1944 - March 28, 2023