Jerry Wayne Kennedy, 74, of Mize, Mississippi, passed away on May 2, 2026, at Strong River Villa in Mendenhall, Mississippi.

Jerry was born on June 17, 1951, to J.N. and Virginia Kennedy of Magee, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the service at 11:00 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Magee, MS. Burial will follow in Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Mize, MS. Bro. Ryan Wade will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements. 601-849-5031.

Jerry began his career in commercial construction at just 17 years old, working alongside his Uncle W.F. Lucky on the Walter Sillers Building in Jackson, Mississippi. From 1977 to 1985, he owned and operated a grocery store in Mize before returning to commercial construction. His work later took him beyond Mississippi when he built Bonanza restaurants in Florida and Missouri. Jerry later moved into residential construction, working as a builder and carpenter.

Jerry was never afraid of hard work, and there was very little he could not do. He was talented, determined, and truly a man of many gifts.

Jerry was also the one people came to for help. Friends and family knew they could count on him, whether they needed advice, help with a project, a repair, or someone who would simply show up when it mattered. He had a way of making things happen, and was always there for his family and friends in a time of need.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.N. Kennedy; his mother, Virginia Kennedy; his brothers, David Kennedy and Steve Kennedy; and his sister, Jeanette Garner.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Patsy Kennedy; his son, Brian Kennedy (Faith); his daughters, Shelly Hux (Chris), and Leah Kanso; his stepchildren, Shaun Smith (Brittany), Scott Smith (Recinda), Jade Smith, and Chase Smith (Lauren).

He is also survived by his grandsons, Dylan Kennedy (Hayden), Mason Kennedy (Mallory), Benjamin Kennedy, and John Caden Kennedy; his granddaughters, Crystal Hux and Charly Hooks (Sutton); and a host of step-grandchildren.

Jerry also leaves behind four great-granddaughters, Anne Crosby Kennedy, Harper Grace Hooks, Meredith Hart Kennedy, and Lainey Love Hooks; his brother, Jackie Lamar Kennedy; his sister, Julie Cosper (Corky Hartfield); and a host of nieces and nephews.

Jerry’s family will forever cherish the memories, the lessons, the laughter, and the love he leaves behind. His hands built many things in this life, but his greatest legacy will always be the family who loved him.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Strong River Villa in Mendenhall, Mississippi, for the care, compassion, and love shown to Jerry during his time there. He was surrounded by comfort, kindness, and people who truly cared for him. We are deeply grateful for the way you cared for him and for the peace you gave our family.

The pallbearers are Dylan Kennedy, Mason Kennedy, Benjamin Kennedy, John Caden Kennedy, Chris Hux and Sutton Hooks. Corky Hartfield is the honorary pallbearer.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com