John David Kennedy, Sr.

John David Kennedy, 85, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on April 15, 2024. Born on June 2, 1938, in Chisolm, Alabama, he was the son of John Carter Kennedy and Lucille Blackstone Kennedy.

John served in the Air Force for 2 years. He was a devoted member of Southside Baptist Church, Heritage Baptist Church, and most recently Lakeview Baptist Church.

John is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Nelda Hayles Kennedy; children, Brenda Kennedy, David (Erica) Kennedy, and Melissa (David) Rohling; grandchildren, Chloe (Arthur) Potts, Jordyn Kennedy, Madison Kennedy, John Daniel Rohling, Sawyer Rohling, Chapman Rohling, and Crawford Rohling; great-grandchildren, Adeline Potts and Ophelia Potts; and brother, Paul (Linda) Kennedy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Minerva Roberti, Mary Jo Wells, and Julia Rushton.

John will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his generosity, and his devotion to the church. His love for the Lord and belief in God's sovereignty led him to face the challenges of life with great optimism. When asked how he was doing, John would often reply, “Fantastic!” or "Blessed and very much so!"

Anyone who knew John knew about his love for car racing. His passion for this hobby began as a teenager racing go-carts, which led to car racing in his adult years. He attended many NASCAR races with family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for 3pm, Thursday, April 18, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama, with a family visitation afterward. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 19, at 11am at Lottie New Home Cemetery in Lottie, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Compassus Hospice of Auburn

333 Samford Village Court

Suite B

Auburn, AL 36830

or Lottie New Home Cemetery

59055 Lottie Road

Atmore, AL 36502

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama, is in charge of arrangements.