Ralph Shealy Kennedy, Sr

Ralph Shealy Kennedy, Sr. of Batesburg, went to his Heavenly home Thursday, February 19, 2015. Born on August 30, 1924, in rural Lancaster County, SC, he was the son of the late R. Guy Kennedy and Martha Shealy Kennedy. Anxious to enter this world, he was delivered by midwife at home, as no doctor could arrive in time to attend the birth. Ralph grew up in Batesburg, SC, and graduated from B-L High School. He was an all-around athlete, with football being his favorite sport, weightlifting and jogging come in a close second. For years residence of B-L could see him jogging up and down the roads of the community long before physical fitness was in fashion. At one time, he could even do a one armed pull up. He attended the Citadel, but left with the rest of his class to volunteer for service in WWII. He served his country with distinction in both the European and Pacific Theaters of War. When he returned home from the war, a great lump came up in his throat as he thanked his Lord and Savior who allowed him to return home unscathed to his beloved Batesburg and his family. Ralph completed his studies at the University of SC, majoring in business and it was on Main Street of Columbia where he met the love of his life and future wife, Jo-Ann Kearse. He initially asked her for a date, but was refused. However, his dear friend, Paul Johnson, was dating her roommate, Mary Rischer, at the time. Paul set them up on a blind double date with he and Mary and the rest was history. They were married on March 11, 1949 in Bamberg, SC. Jo-Ann was the daughter of Attorney and Senator J. Carl Kearse and Daisye Rizer Kearse. Upon graduating from USC, Ralph founded Kennedy's Men's Store in 1947 on Main Street of Batesburg, SC. He enjoyed a successful 68 years serving the wonderful people of Batesburg-Leesville and the surrounding area and made many dear and true friends in the process and his last day of work at the store was Saturday, February 7, 2015. His dear friend, Dan Head, continues to run and operate the clothing store and has been part of Kennedy's Men's Store since he was 14 years old. Ralph, Sr. was also an entrepreneur and enjoyed the buying and selling of real estate, especially when it was with his dear friend and real estate partner, Michael Shealy, owner of Shealy Realty. He was also extremely adept in finance and stock picks, reading the Wall Street Journal, Barrons, and other financials on a daily basis. His stock broker once said that he would often times buy the same stocks that Mr. Kennedy picked, because he knew they would usually be winners. Ralph dearly loved his church, St. John's Methodist, where he has been a member his entire life. He served on the Administrative Board, Pastor Parrish Relations, and in many other capacities, his home being two doors down from the parsonage. He loved his hometown of Batesburg-Leesville and was very active in all community affairs, serving as President of the Civitan's Club, the local American Legion, the Batesburg Cemetery Association, Lexington School District 3 Board of Trustees, as Chairman, the new high school and primary school were built under his leadership. One of the most meaningful areas of his life was his service as a Mason in the B-L Masonic Lodge. In 2013, he received his 60 years of service certificate and was the oldest living past Worshipful Master. His father R. Guy Kennedy was also a Mason, as well as his son, Timothy Kearse Kennedy. He always put God, his church, and his family first in every way. He was beloved by many, especially for the countless unseen kindnesses which he gave to so many over the course of his lifetime. Surviving are his children, Ralph Shealy Kennedy, Jr. (Lisa) of B-L, James Guy Kennedy (Kate) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Timothy Kearse Kennedy (Ranai) of Summerville, SC, his grandchildren, Carlisle Kennedy, Lauren Kennedy, Jimmy Kennedy, Julia Ann Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, David Kennedy, Christopher Kennedy, Mathew Kennedy, and Elizabeth Kennedy and his sister, Ju-Ann Kennedy Weeks. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Jo Ann Kearse Kennedy, his parents and his brother, Guy Kennedy. The family wishes to thank Gladys Cullum, Annette Canarde, Mary Addy, and the nurses and staff at Palmetto Richland Hospital for their devotion and tender care of our precious father. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Milton Shealy Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday February 22, 2015 at St. Johns Methodist Church (Batesburg) with interment in Old Batesburg Cemetery with Pastor Stephen King and Pastor Marty Mason officiating. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, nephews, and Dan Head. Memorials may be made to St. John's Methodist Church or to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be expressed at miltonshealy.com

Service:

4:30 P.M. Sunday, February 22, 2015

St. John United Methodist Church



Visitation:

5:30 - 7:30 P.M. Saturday, February 21, 2015

Milton Shealy Funeral Home