Kenneth “K.D” Kennedy February 16, 1942 - May 17, 2024
Raleigh, North Carolina
- K.D. Kennedy, Jr., a man of remarkable achievement and dedication to his community, passed away on May 17th, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on February 16, 1942, K.D. led a life characterized by his unwavering commitment to his family, community, and a multitude of causes that reflected his diverse interests and passions. He was a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, actor, philanthropist, and a prolific and published writer of poetry and prose.
A distinguished scholar, K.D. graduated from Ralph L. Fike High School in 1960 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Duke University in 1964. His thirst for knowledge led him to North Carolina State University, where he obtained a Master of Electrical Engineering in 1965. In recognition of his lifetime of service and achievement, Barton College honored him with a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2005. K.D. served his country in the United States Army Reserve from 1966 to 1972, a testament to his unwavering commitment to community, state and country.
As the CEO of
Electric
Supply Company of North Carolina, Inc., K.D.’S hard work and visionary leadership brought significant success, enabling him to support numerous educational, charitable, and cultural initiatives. His dedication to his alma mater, Duke University, was ignited while he was still an undergraduate. As President of the Class of 1964 and a lifelong Iron Duke and Duke Alumni Association member, K.D.’S enthusiasm for Duke Basketball, from the Bill Foster years to the era of Mike Krzyzewski, was infectious. His contributions then extended to the football program, where his generosity led to the naming of the Sara Lynn and K.D. Kennedy, Jr. Indoor Football Field.
K.D.’S philanthropic spirit was perhaps most profoundly felt in his hometown of Wilson, at Barton College. There, he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2002 and led the Presidential Search Committee in 2002-2003. His legacy includes the establishment of the Business Professorship for his parents Dorothy and Kenneth Kennedy, the Kennedy Family Theatre, the Kennedy Recreation and Intramural Center, and the Kennedy Rare Book Room, all of which stand as lasting tributes to commitment to future generations.
In the realm of public service, K.D. was appointed by Governor Jim Martin as Chairman of the North Carolina Board of Ethics, he also served on the City of Raleigh Convention Center Steering Committee and the Board of Directors of the NC Institute of Political Leadership, NC Beautiful, and the NC Alternative Energy Commission. As Finance Chairman for the North Carolina Republican Party from 1994 to 2010 and the recipient of the 2001 James E. Broyhill Award, K.D. played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of North Carolina.
K.D.’S love for the performing arts, shared with his wife Sara Lynn, was evident early on as they performed in productions at Raleigh Little Theatre, Theatre in the Park, Junior League of Raleigh, and most significantly the North Carolina Theatre. As Chairman and a Founding Board Member of North Carolina Theatre in 1982, he remained a lifelong supporter. His contributions to the arts culminated in his role as Chairman of the BTI Performing Arts Center (now Martin Marietta) Planning and Development Committee in 2000, leading to the construction of the performing arts center in Downtown Raleigh and the naming of the Sara Lynn and K.D. Kennedy, Jr. Theatre. To keep performing arts vibrant, he was Founder and Executive Producer of Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy. His advocacy for the arts earned him the City of Raleigh Medal of Arts and the Bowers Art Medal from North Carolina State University, both testaments to his enduring impact on the cultural community.
At the heart of K.D.’S remarkable life was his family. He considered his 58-year marriage to Sara Lynn Riley Kennedy his greatest accomplishment. Together, they raised four children: Kenneth Durwood Kennedy, III (Margaret Morgan Mccants), Katherine Riley Kennedy, Lauren Kennedy Brady (Charles Thomas Brady), and Michael Wesley Kennedy. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren: Connor Mccants Kennedy, William Owens Kennedy, Benton Morgan Kennedy, Fiona Kennedy Kelly, Gavin Joseph Kelly, Henry Knox Gladstone Garliss, Scarlett Forbes Garliss, Oscar Fellow Garliss, and Riley Rose Campbell. He is also survived by his sister Susan Kennedy Smith and her son Dustin Smith (Christy Smith and their 4 children) of Richmond, VA. He was predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Kenneth Kennedy and grandson Aidan Daniel Kelly.
K.D. Kennedy, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of service and generosity. His life is a testament to the impact one person can have on their community and beyond. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. In honoring his memory, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will inspire future generations.
A celebration of K.D.’S life will be held at Memorial Auditorium, 2 East South St., Raleigh, NC, 27601, on May 29th at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish honor him, please make contributions to Duke Children’s Hospital,2301 Erwin Rd., Durham, NC 27705 (https://www.gifts.duke.edu/ dch) or Aidan Daniel Kelly Memorial Fund,3737 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612 (www.nccommunityfoundation.org/aidandanielkelly).
Services are entrusted to the care of Brown-wynne Funeral Home and Crematory, 300 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC 27605.