Maurice Venson Kennedy

Maurice Venson Kennedy, 93, of the Almond Community went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Skyland Care Center in Sylva, North Carolina.

He was the son of the late Luther and Albia Kennedy.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son David Kennedy; brother Arvil Kennedy; and sister Marie Merrit.

On June 9, 1948, he married Edris Gunn Kennedy who survives him, along with their son and daughter-in-law Larry and Annette Kennedy of Almond, NC, a grand daughter Laura Kirk and husband Robbie of New Bern, NC, a grandson Cole Kennedy of Tuscaloosa, AL, his great grandchildren Sara and Samuel Kirk of New Bern, NC, and his daughter-in-law Arinda Kennedy of Tuscaloosa, AL.    

Maurice served his country during WWII, enlisting in the Army as a member of the 97th Infantry Division.  Enlisting in the Army on February 24, 1944 at Camp Shelby, MS, Maurice served in the 97th Infantry until he was discharged in April of 1945 to go to Headquarters detachment of Kanto Military Government Region, Japan, as a Military Transport Officer, 2nd Lt.  Later he was discharged in October 1946.  For his service, he was awarded the following medals:  Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Army Occupation Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.  He graduated with honors from Army War College in Carlisle, PA.  In 1949 he joined the Army Reserves as a 1st Lt. and in 1981 retired as a full Colonel, Commander 492nd Civil Affairs group, Jackson, MS.  This Civil Affairs Group handled active duty war games.    

He received a Doctorate in Biochemistry from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS, and then served as a Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at his Alma Mater where he authored various research papers and books pertaining to the field of Biochemistry.   

Maurice was a lifetime Deacon of First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL.  He is currently a member of Stecoah Baptist Church in Robbinsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 31, 2018 at Stecoah Baptist Church.  Reverends G.D. Phillips and Patrick Breedlove will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 pm Monday at the Church, prior to the service.  Burial will full military rites will follow at Jenkins Cemetery.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kennedy family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.