Rev. Eddie E. Kennedy Sr., 68, of New London, died Tuesday, December 27, at home surrounded by his family. Born in Matewan WV, he was the son of the late Carl and Mary Agnes (nee Jessie) Kennedy. As a boy his family moved to Florida and later back to West Virginia and then to Cleveland, where he spent the bulk of his childhood and graduated from Max Hayes High School. Eddie worked for Ford Motor Company for many years, retiring in 1998. Ordained as a minister in 1976, he served in several churches including the Island Road Freewill Baptist Church, the Stoney Ridge Freewill Baptist Church and the Wellington Freewill Baptist Church. Eddie was an active member of the Lorain and Cuyahoga Conference of the Freewill Baptist Church, and was currently on the executive board. Apart from his passion for serving the Lord, he enjoyed old cars and would spend hours tinkering away on them in his garage or going to shows to look at the hard work of others. Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 50 years Gloria (nee Frye) Kennedy; children Kimberley (Scott) Stevens, and Shelia (Bill) Biljes, both of Columbia Station, Eddie (Melissa) Kennedy, Jr., of Sullivan, and Joseph (Marsha) Kennedy, of Oakland, MD; 12 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild; brothers Stewart Douglas Kennedy, of North Ridgeville, and Carl Rickey Kennedy, of Elyria; and his cousin Albie Jessie. Friends and family will be received on Friday, December 30, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the Wellington Freewill Baptist Church, 205 Woodland St., Wellington, where services will be held on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jeff Isaacs officiating. Burial will follow at the Rochester Center Cemetery. Fond memories and condolences may be expressed online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

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