Joseph Everett Kennedy, Jr.

Durham – Joseph Everett Kennedy Jr., age 92, died at Croasdaile Village on February 21, 2023. He was born on August 24, 1930 to the late Joseph Kennedy Sr. and Grace Brown Kennedy.

Joseph was a long time resident of Durham County. He attended Durham High School and graduated in 1948, and went on to Duke University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1953.

After college, Joseph joined the United States Army. He served from 1954 to 1956 as a Specialist Third Class and went to France and Germany. He was a member of the Military Police and a Construction Supervisor.

On December 27, 1964 Joseph married Susan Hovis in Charlotte, North Carolina. Joseph worked for Duke University in the Facility Planning, Design and Construction Office of Duke Medical Center and Duke Hospital from 1968-2000. In that time, he guided 20 new construction projects from conception to occupancy, including the Children’s Health Center. He also managed countless renovations for the medical center and hospital.

Joseph was a member of Durham Lions Club, joining in 1968. During his time with Lions Club, he has many achievements including President from 1981-82, an Achievement Award in 1975, a Service Award in 2002. He was also a Melvin Jones Fellow and worked concessions at UNC football games for fundraising and sold Christmas trees at the local Scout Center.

With Boy Scouts of America, he served for many years, assisting the local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in Durham, including Troop 17, Pack 17, and Troop 440.

Special interest in assisting and supporting scouts in their attendance at summer camp.

Joseph was currently a member of Duke Memorial United Methodist Church.

He also spent many years as a member of Parkwood United Methodist Church

Where he served for many years as Trustee and usher; and served on Finance and Administrative Committees and on Ad Hoc Futures Team.

Joseph loved attending Kennedy family reunions.

He is survived by his wife Susan Hovis Kennedy and children Joseph “Jay” Everett Kennedy, III (Susan), Charlotte, NC; Todd Kennedy (Rachel), Pikeville, KY; and grandchildren: Justin Kennedy; Morgan Kennedy; Drew Kennedy; Jackson Kennedy; his sister: Elizabeth “Betsy” Kennedy Gresham; Greensboro, NC; and multiple beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Croadaile Few Chapel with Rev Laurie Hays-Coffman and Rev. Jennifer Asbill. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery—section 2.

Friends may visit the Chapel from 9:30 – 10:30 AM before the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Durham Lions Club; payable to Durham Lions Club, In memory of Joseph E. Kennedy, Jr.

Mailed to Durham Lions Club, Attn: Kevin Klein, 404 Hunt Street, Suite 120, Durham, NC 27701.

Occoneechee Council, Boy Scouts of America; payable to Occoneechee Council, In Memoriam of Joseph E. Kennedy, Jr.

Mailed to 3231 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27604.

The Kennedy family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.