Odis Norman Kennedy Sr.
(8/25/1949 – 7/7/2024)

Odis Norman Kennedy Sr., 74 of Magee, MS passed away Monday, July 7, 2024 at the St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS. He was born Thursday, August 25, 1949 in Simpson County, MS.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 302 Eight Ave SW, Magee, MS. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 11:00am at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Dry Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Magee, Mississippi. Bro. Joe Metts will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements. 601-849-5031

Odis Norman Kennedy was born on August 25, 1949, in Magee, Mississippi. Norman grew up in Dry Creek and made it his permanent home. He was a member of Dry Creek Baptist Church where he gave his life to the Lord. Norman was drafted into the US Army on June 19, 1969. He spent two years with the United States Army, stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. While serving his country, Norman earned a Diploma from the United States Army Quartermaster School for completing culinary training. Norman enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard in 1971 and served faithfully until 1981. Following his honorable discharge, Norman established a family and pursued a profession as an offshore Driller for gas companies in the Gulf of Mexico. Norman retired in 2006 after 28 years as an offshore driller, allowing him and his wife of 43 years to spend more time with their family. Norman enjoyed his retirement by spending his days doing what he loved. He was often seen in a large field on a worn-out tractor bailing and raking hay, which most people considered a chore, but he thoroughly enjoyed it. On other days, you might find him at his favorite fishing or hunting spot. Norman lived a simple life and preferred to be at home, tending to his chickens or outside under a tree, conversing with neighbors and family rather than venturing out. Norman loved his family and looked forward to seeing his grandbabies and having family gatherings.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Odis Kennedy; mother, Cordia Bynum Kennedy; grandchild, Hailey Rayner; sisters, Ernestine Kennedy Toney and Lois Kennedy; brother-in-law, Ershel Kennedy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Wanda Warren Kennedy; sons, Russ Kennedy and Odis Norman Kennedy, II; daughters, Jeannie Kennedy Griffin (Denman), Brandy Kennedy Jones (Michael Jones) and Misty Kennedy; grandchildren, Tyler Rayborn, Addison Griffin, Michael Jones, II (Kaitlyn), Cameron Rayner, Cerria Jones, Lawton Kennedy, Aubren Kennedy, Odis Norman Kennedy, III and Alexis Kennedy; great grandchildren, Swayzie Brooks, Brody McNeely, Aubree Rayborn, Beckham Erwin and Presley Jones; brother-in-law, Cecil Toney; and host of other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be James M. Jones, Kevin Toney, Bobby Toney, Daniel Peacock, and Brayden Kennedy.

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