Leon Sylvester Kennedy died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. He was 81. 

A native of Prentiss County, he was the son of the late Chester Kennedy and Lucille Aldridge Kennedy. He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean Conflict. He was a former resident of Conran, Missouri, and had been a resident of Vicksburg since 1975. He was a farmer and retired from Burkes Hunting Club. He was also a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

He is survived by eight children: Perry Kennedy, Dewayne Kennedy, Todd Kennedy, Dan Kennedy (Shana), Pam Mitchell (Greg), Denise Strobel (Darin), Lisa Ainsworth (Mike) and Dena Williams (Scott); two sisters, Joyce Gammons and Mildred Jean Atterbery; and a brother, Chester Kennedy.

He also leaves 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Kennedy was preceded in death by his wife, June Kennedy; a great-grandson, Jaxon Kennedy; a daughter-in-law, Linda Kennedy; two brothers, R.H. Kennedy and Stan Kennedy; and two sisters, Linda Woods and Lera Harrington.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. J. Wayne Moore of Osceola, Arkansas, officiating. Visitation was from noon until the hour of the service.