The family of William George Kennedy of Fayetteville, NC announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
These are some of the moments and memories that shaped his story.
Some bonds are not loosened by absence.
William George "Turk" Kennedy Jr., 87, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026.
William was born on April 12, 1939, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Wymer Houston Carr and William George Kennedy Sr. He lived a life defined by service, discipline, strength, and devotion to family. He proudly served his country in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army, building a distinguished military career rooted in courage, intelligence, and leadership.
His service included time with U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he served as an Intelligence Analyst and Senior Intelligence Sergeant. He retired at the rank of Sergeant Major, E-9, a reflection of his commitment, excellence, and the respect he earned throughout his career.
Throughout his distinguished military service, William received numerous decorations, medals, badges, and citations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon.
After retiring from the military, William carried that same discipline and work ethic into civilian life. He worked as a truck driver and later served with the United States Postal Service for 20 years. In every role, he showed the value of responsibility, consistency, and providing well for those he loved.
Known affectionately as "Turk" by family and friends, William will be remembered as a man of intelligence, strength, stern wisdom, and deep conviction. He was extremely smart, an avid reader, and a lover of history. He enjoyed handball and believed deeply in hard work, self-sufficiency, and standing firm in who you are. His presence was steady, his standards were high, and his legacy is one of service, sacrifice, and devotion to family.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Wymer Houston Carr and William George Kennedy Sr., and his sons, Charles Lovette Kennedy and William George "Fuzzy" Kennedy III.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Annie Elizabeth Kennedy; his son, Anthony Kennedy of Gastonia, North Carolina; his daughter, Gail Kennedy of Fayetteville, North Carolina; his brother, Frank Carr of Cincinnati, Ohio; his grandchildren, Lucretia Freeman of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Kelsey DeShazior (Fumie) of Japan, William Kennedy of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Brandy Kennedy of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Travis DeShazior (Atilah) of Charlotte, North Carolina; along with a host of great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10:30 to 11:00 am at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am in the Jernigan-Warren Chapel. Burial will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors.
Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com
Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
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