Ralph James Kennedy, Jr.

Ralph James Kennedy, Jr., 91, passed away on Wednesday, April 5.  Visitation will be held Monday, April 10 at Joyner’s Funeral Home in Wilson, NC from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 11 at Joyner’s Funeral Home in Wilson, NC at 11:00 am.  Interment will immediately follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson, NC.  Dr. David Hailey will officiate.

Ralph proudly served his country as a United States Marine and then received his undergraduate degree at Atlantic Christian College and his Master’s degree at East Carolina University.  He was a dedicated member of the Sertoma Club, Kiwanis Club, Wilson Jaycees, Moose Lodge, and the American Legion.  Ralph taught at Grainger High School in Kinston and Edwards Junior High School in Rocky Mount.  He went on to coach football at Charles L. Coon High School in Wilson.  After coaching, Ralph worked at Darden Vick High School and Hunt High School as an Assistant Principal.  He served several years working at Durham Life, Swift & Co., and Oettinger’s Men’s Store.

Ralph is survived by his son, Ralph James Kennedy, III and wife, Jacqueline of Wilson; daughter, Nadine Kennedy Bradsher and husband, Charles of Apex; and granddaughter, Kristin Nicole Bradsher of Apex.

Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lillian Deans Kennedy, of the home; parents, Ralph J. Kennedy, Sr. and Julia B. Kennedy; sisters, Marie K. Donnelli and Cheryl Kennedy, both of East Hartford, CT; brother, Robert Page Kennedy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.