Geral Buford Kennedy was born on October 10,1922 and lived 92 years on earth until called home to his reward on February 19, 2015.
Geral began his life in Cunningham, Texas and later moved to Paris, Texas where he graduated from Paris Junior college just before enlisting in the Navy. While serving his country he completed training in radio communications and air gunnery. In 1945, he was thrilled to receive his aircrew wings.
After World War II, Geral received both a BS and MS from Sam Houston State University in Vocational Agriculture. During this time he met Joy Casey, and the two were married July 9, 1950. Both Geral and Joy taught in the West Lamar Schools in Petty. In 1964 Geral was named Lamar County Teacher of the Year.
In 1966 Geral continued his passion of teaching young people in Vocational Agriculture but relocated to Sulphur Springs ISD where he was a vocational agriculture teacher, vocational counselor, and vocational administrator. He retired in 1984. In 2013 Geral was honored when the new Sulphur Springs High School National Technical Honor Society was named for him.
Geral always enjoyed serving his community and was honored with leadership in many organizations including: Hopkins County Ag Workers, the Chamber of Commerce of Sulphur Springs, and Kiwanas Club of Sulphur Springs.
Geral was a life-long member of the church of Christ. In each community where he and Joy taught they proved to be a major asset the local churches. Whether it was teaching at Lamar Avenue church of Christ in Paris, preaching at Emberson church of Christ, or serving as teacher, deacon, and elder at the Jefferson Street/League Street church of Christ, Geral was always ready to assist others and exemplify the life of Christ.
Preceding Geral in death were his parents, Dave and Lillie Bays Kennedy, his brothers Kenneth Kennedy, and Deveral Kennedy, as well as one sister, Claris Kennedy Jordan.
Geral is survived by his brother Glenn Kennedy and wife Charlene of Piano, Texas; his two daughters Carolyn Jan Nichols and husband Alvis of Wylie, Texas, Karol Edwards and husband Phil of Piano,
Texas; his four grandchildren, Julie Truex and husband Bryan of Plano, Texas, Brent Nichols and wife Jill of Niteroi, Brazil, Bethany Edwards Barry and husband Alex of Hastings on Hudson, New York, and Matt Edwards of Plano, Texas; and his five great grandchildren, Reagan Truex, Cheney Truex, Haley Truex, Titus Nichols, and Jack Nichols.
Of all of Geral’s talents, passions and many hobbies, nothing was more important to him, than his family. He and Joy had been married 62 years at the time of her death in 2012. Their lives were spent in obedience to God and sharing that example with all who were blessed to cross their paths. During Geral’s lifetime he taught innumerable people practical and spiritual lessons. His legacy will forever be that of a wise, kind servant.
Geral’s family is deeply grateful for the loving and thoughtful care both Joy and Geral received from the staff of the Stonnybrook Memory Care in Garland.
Memorials may be sent to Boles Children’s Home, 7065 Love, Quinlan, TX 75474 or to the Niteroi Mission Building Fund % of the Wylie Church of Christ at P.O. Box551, Wylie, TX 75098
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at West Oaks Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Restland Cemetery in Roxton, TX, at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at West Oaks Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home.
www.westoaksfuneralhome.com
