CRAIG-FLAGLER PALMS FUNERAL HOME
Flagler Beach, Florida
Thursday, May 19, 2016



Charles Leonard Kennedy, Sr. was born in the province of Oriente in Cuba on July 31, 1924, to Charles Stephen and Vera Jane Allison Kennedy.

His only sister, Margaret “Maggie” Kennedy, predeceased him. At a young age,

Charles and his parents relocated to Jamaica and the family resided in Brown’s Town, St. Ann. He attended primary school and was a graduate of Middlesex High School. While at Middlesex High he ran track and also played cricket. Later, he enjoyed watching cricket games at Sabina Park and going to Caymanas Race Track to watch thoroughbred horse racing. In those early years, he often traveled with his father “Mas Charlie” from Cuba to Jamaica to work at Lawrence Park.

It was on one of those trips that he met Eileen Harris who lived in Industry, St. Ann’s Bay. Even at such a young age, he determined that in the fullness of time she was to be his wife. And, so it was. He and his beloved Eileen Jessie Harris (Pam/his “Sweet Pea”) were married in Kingston on April 12, 1950.

Over the years they raised five children, Charles, Jr. Raymond (who predeceased both parents), Judith, Carol Jean, and Faith Ann.

Charles’ accounting career began at the Jamaica Tax Administration Office and progressed to management. He also worked at Victoria Mutual Insurance Company. Finally, he worked at National Cash Register in Jamaica before migrating with his family to New York in 1971. While in New York he worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital, formerly known as Hillcrest General Hospital in Queens, NY until he retired in 1992 after which he and his beloved Pam relocated to Palm Coast Florida. 

While in Palm Coast, he and Pam attended Palm Coast United Methodist Church, where he served as usher for many years. He passed his days keeping a pristine garden and enjoyed relaxing in his “man cave” watching soap operas and detective series. And, until he could no longer manage, he also enjoyed being the resident chef and chauffeur. 

Two days after their 66th wedding anniversary Charles Sr. and his beloved “sweet pea” were separated by her death leaving him to mourn her loss though only for a short while, as he was to follow her soon. 

Left behind to mourn his loss are his surviving children, 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, one niece and a nephew. He also leaves behind many memories to share with the 9th great grandchild expected to join the family soon. 

He died peacefully at his home in Palm Coast on May 13, 2016 after a pro-longed illness. May his soul rest in peace.