Willard McCreary Kennedy

Willard McCreary Kennedy, 85, Fleming Island, Florida                                                                                                                                                   March 10, 1940 – August 12, 2025

Willard McCreary Kennedy of Fleming Island, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on August 12, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in Monroeville, Alabama, Willard dedicated his life to the Lord, education, service, and family.

A lifelong educator, he served as a teacher and in many administrative roles in Cobb County, Georgia. Willard retired from a long career as the Headmaster at the Jacksonville Jewish Center and later as the Parish Administrator for St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. He received his Master of Education Degree from The University of Georgia, his Bachelor of Science from Troy State College and was a graduate of Monroe County High School. His unwavering commitment to teaching and mentoring left a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and community members. Known for his trademark bow ties and his deep love for teaching Sunday school to adults, he shared wisdom, faith, and joy with all who knew him.

Affectionately known as “Dada”, Willard was the cherished patriarch of his family. He guided us all with his enduring wisdom, gentle love, and limitless patience, a steady and loving presence in every chapter of our lives.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Hill Brantley (Joseph Howard Brantley, Sr.) and Willard McCreary Kennedy Sr,; his sister Alleta Brantley Westbrook, his brother Joseph Howard Brantley Jr., as well as his grandson, Nicholas Kennedy Leon.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Deedie Marie Brown Kennedy; his daughters, Elizabeth Kennedy Cox (David); Andrea Marie Leon (Brian) and his grandchildren: Kayla Marie Mays (Kyle), Christen Geneil, Madeleine Marie, and Patrick McCreary. He is also lovingly remembered by his great-granddaughter, McKinley Elizabeth; his sister, Lynn Elrod (Glen Gray); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Willard’s legacy of kindness, service, and strength will live on in each of us. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The memorial service celebrating the life Willard lived will be on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 400 St. Johns Ave, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043

Officiated by the Rev. Mother Sarah Minton. The family will receive friends at a reception following the interment in the Memorial Garden at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.