Wayne Kennedy

February 16, 2018

Mr. Wayne Kennedy, age 73, former Vice Mayor of Columbia, husband of Sherrie Kennedy, and a resident of Columbia, passed away Friday, February 16, 2018 at NHC Columbia.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 from 3:30-6PM with a short ceremony in memory of Wayne beginning at 6PM at Heritage Funeral Home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

A native of Maury County, Wayne was born on April 13, 1944 and was the son of the late James Frank Kennedy, Sr. and the late Alberta Virginia Kinzer Kennedy. He was a 1962 graduate of Columbia Central High, a post graduate of Columbia Military Academy, and attended Middle Tennessee State University. He married Sherrie Jane Crutcher on October 14, 1966 and together they had two sons. Wayne was a lifelong member of West 7th Street Church of Christ.

Wayne loved all sports, especially baseball and football. He served as the past President for both the Columbia National League and Babe Ruth League, and he enjoyed playing softball for many years. Wayne previously served as a courtside PA announcer for Columbia Central High School’s basketball team and was the past President of the Brown Elementary School and Baker Elementary School Parent Teacher Association.

Wayne served on the City Council from 2003-2006 before being elected Vice Mayor in January 2006. He served as the Vice Mayor until January 2015. His life time career was in automobile sales.

In addition to his wife, Sherrie of 51 years, he is survived by his sons: Kevin “Boo” (Misty) Kennedy of Columbia, Josh (Becky) Kennedy of Columbia; brother: Jerry (Glenda) Kennedy of Columbia; sister: Frances (Richard) Brown of Franklin; sister-in-law: Carolyn Kennedy of Franklin; grandchildren: Savannah (Kurtis) Moore, Cade Kennedy, Owen, Madelyn, James, and Finley Kennedy; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Kenneth, Buddy, and Billy Kennedy; and sister-in-law: Patsy Kennedy.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to the entire staff of NHC Columbia for their excellent care and compassion during this difficult time.