Jimmy Ray Kennedy

Jimmy Ray Kennedy, 74, died Wednesday, November 14, 2012, in a local hospital, with his loving family at his side.

Born in Oakdale, Louisiana to Robert Joseph Kennedy and Ida Ethel Hatsfelt Kennedy, Mr. Kennedy was a fireman for the City of Lake Charles for more than twenty-six years, retiring in 1991 as a District Chief. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the Silver Spur Riding Club, APHA, and the American Pinto Horse Association. He was also a member of the Southwest Louisiana Coin Club and a past member of the Southwest Bass Club. He was an avid horseman and had a love for his horses, Dollar and Dee. Mr. Kennedy was of the Baptist faith.

Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of twenty-eight years, Joyce Bertrand Kennedy; sons, Reno Kennedy of Leesville and Chris Kennedy of DeQuincy; daughters, Melonie Lester and husband Tommy of Leesville and Ann Guillory of Lake Charles; brothers, Harvey Kennedy and Fred Kennedy, all of Lake Charles, and Charles Mack Kennedy of Moss Bluff; step-daughter, Tonya Richard and husband James, also of Lake Charles; and six grandchildren, Jeremy, Jessica, , Drew, Blaine, Sydnee, and Zachary.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Jackie Goings; and brother, Bobby Kennedy.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 17, 2012, at Johnson Funeral Home. Mark Stagg will officiate. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 until 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until service time.

The family would like to express their grateful appreciation for the compassionate care given their loved one to Dr. Gary Kohler, his nurse Peggy and his staff.