Obituary of Terry Wayne Kennedy

Terry Wayne Kennedy, of Merritt Island, Florida, went to heaven on November 28, 2022, surrounded by his closest family. Terry was born on August 9, 1940, to Evelyn Mae (née Hayes) Kennedy and Edwin Moore Kennedy in Miami, Florida. Terry is deeply loved and forever missed by his family and friends. Terry is known for his legendary achievements including his 20-year career at Ryder Truck Rental, Inc., headquarters in Miami, FL, sharp intellect, brilliant sense of humor, and infectious smile. Terry’s favorites were his family love and dedication, generosity, passion for boating, fishing, being on the water, his love with family in the Florida Keys, the Bahamian out-islands, travel, and adventure, being a loyal and strong father and anchor for his family, committed husband, and hosting many joyful, beautiful holidays and parties with his beloved wife, Nancy A. (née Colson) Kennedy at their homes. In the 1950s, Terry W. Kennedy and Nancy A. Colson met in elementary school, became sweethearts at Coral Gables High School, and graduated in 1958. After they both earned their B.S. degrees, Terry married Nancy in March 1962 at the Presbyterian Church on Sunset Drive, Miami, and they remained lovingly married together for their full lives. Terry completed his B.S. Degree in Mathematics, Minor in Physics, 1962, University of Miami (UM), Coral Gables. Terry worked for Pratt and Whitney 1962-1964. From 1964-1966, Terry earned his M.S. Degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, from UM while a graduate instructor of UM’s first computer programming class. Terry worked for IBM 1966-1969. From 1969-1989, Terry had an immensely successful 20-year career at Ryder Truck Rental, Inc., culminating as Executive Vice President, Marketing, in Miami. Subsequently, Terry and Nancy moved to Merritt Island, FL, to purchase Black’s Spray pest control company in Brevard County, FL. They grew the pest control service company into the largest and best-quality of Brevard County, FL, and retired in 2006. During retirement, they traveled more, especially in the USA, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe, while remaining centered on family, friends, and loved ones. Terry was predeceased by his loyal, loving wife, Nancy, by only 59 days. Terry is survived by his daughters, Suzanne M. Kennedy, Katherine A. Kennedy, Maria G. Van Sant, grandchildren, Andrew Boyer, Tess Boyer, Matthew Boyer; brother, Douglas R. and Beth Kennedy, sister Jaye L. Godin, and niece Michelle L. Godin, and Suzanne’s family, Christopher Haddad, Anthony Haddad, and Joshua Haddad. In lieu of flowers, donations in Terry’s wife’s memory may be made to the Lighthouse of Central Florida https://lighthousecfl.org/. Daughters, Suzanne Kennedy, and Katie Kennedy are hosting a Celebration of Lives for Nancy and Terry Kennedy on January 21, 2023. For details of the Celebration of Lives, please contact Suzanne or Katie Kennedy.