Kelly Dawayne Kennedy

Paradise~ Kelly Dawayne Kennedy, 54, a cherished son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, in Paradise, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 am Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport with burial to follow in East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family will receive friends at a Visitation held 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. 

Born on December 20, 1970, in Bridgeport, Texas, Kelly's journey through life was marked by his deep love for family and an unwavering work ethic that was instilled in him from a young age. Kelly graduated from Bridgeport High School with the Class of 1989, where he formed lasting friendships with his classmates, many of whom remained close throughout his life. Shortly after graduation, he began his career at Peterbilt Motor Company in Denton, Texas. Over the course of 23 years, he held various positions within the company, proudly contributing to its operations, most recently as an Assembly Technician. His dedication to his work reflected the same diligence he observed in his grandparents, Bedford and Marie Kennedy, as well as in his father, Dawayne, who continued the family legacy in the trucking industry. Kelly was a devoted father to his son, August Kennedy, with whom he cherished every moment spent together.

Kelly is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bedford and Marie Kennedy, and his father, Bedford Dawayne Kennedy. 

Kelly is survived by his son, August Kennedy, his mother, Judy (Prince) Kennedy, his sister, Caprice (Kennedy) Garrett, his brother, Brandon Kennedy, his nephew, Brayden Garrett, his great nephew, Logan Garrett, and his great niece, Lilly Garrett, his numerous Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and extended family members, his good friends and his coworkers.

The bond Kelly formed with his friends and coworkers was a testament to character. He was not only a reliable colleague but also a true friend who valued the connections he made throughout his life.

Kelly Dawayne Kennedy's life was a rich tapestry woven with love, hard work, and cherished moments, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.