Berry Kennedy

Berry Garner Kennedy was born February 16, 1933, the second of triplets, in East Prairie, Missouri. Berry was preceded in death by Amarie, his dearly loved wife of 68 years. Berry is survived by three sisters, Jean Russell, Betty Sewell and Nancy Moore, 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

When Berry was 4 years-old the family moved to Edna, Texas due to the flood of 1937 that devastated the East Prairie area. He started his education in Edna, TX in 1939. In 1943, the family moved back to East Prairie, MO, where he completed his elementary and high school education. He graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 1951. The summer after he finished High School, Berry was converted to Christ and called to the ministry. He enrolled in Kentucky Christian College in the fall of 1951. Berry graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in May 1955.

While at Kentucky Christian College he met a fellow student, Amarie Thompson. On August 21, 1952, Berry and Amy were joined in marriage. Their married life began in a two-room log cabin on the campus of the college. On November 9, 1953, their first son, Jerry Garner was born. Then on April 30, 1955, their first daughter, Janet Sue was born. Subsequently, James Warren, John Mark, Joy Lynn and Jeffrey Doss were born.

In 1959, after church ministries in Farmers, KY and Washington Court House, OH, Berry and Amarie with their five small children went to Rhodesia, Africa, where they engaged in missionary work for 20 years. They served at Mashoko Mission Station and in the city of Bulawayo until 1979 when they returned to the United States. Upon return to the States, Berry worked for the Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism, where he served for 10 years. Berry and Amy continued their ministry first with Silver Star Christian Church until 1999 and then with the First Christian Church of Central Florida right up until his death.

Berry faced various health issues in the last 10 years of his life fighting heart issues and Multiple Myeloma but did it with dignity and grace all while taking care of his wife Amy. Berry’s brave struggle and faithful services to the Lord ended on Sunday October 31st, 2021

It can honestly be said that he fought the good fight , finished his race, remained faithful, and has received the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge gives to all those eagerly look forward to his return.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 5, 2021, 11am at Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home in Winter Garden.  The family will receive friends starting at 10am.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.  The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend.  In the event of an internet outage, the service is being recorded and will be posted to this page within 72 hours following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .