Obituary
Royce Jearld Kennedy, better known as Rossman or Ross, left his pain behind when he went to his maker on April 13, 2022.
Ross was born on March 26, 1939 in Abilene, Texas, to Lena Farr and Marlin Kennedy.
Ross served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960 and worked thirty-one (31) years in various positions for the Ford Motor Company at the Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and retired as Representative of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Union.
Loving the sport of auto racing and NASCAR, Ross became a Security Guard at the Daytona International Speedway for five years after retiring from Ford Motor Company. Ross’ biggest impact was serving the communities he lived in through memberships with Bullitt County Kosair Shriner Club, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, the American Legion, and as a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge #942 in Fairdale, Kentucky. Ross became known as “Kentucky Colonel” when he became Drill Sergeant of the Motor Corps of the Shriner’s Motorcycle Club. Ross loved all-things motorcycle, beginning with dirt track racing and ending with a final joy ride during Bike Week 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Among his many loves in life, Ross especially loved his wife, Diana Parker Kennedy. For 22 years, they enjoyed one another’s company through traveling, motorcycling, golfing, boating, playing cards, and entertaining their family and many friends. Ross was known to all for his kindness and witty sense of humor. While Rossman will be dearly missed by all who knew him, he wanted everyone to know he, “lived a great life, loved everyone, and was ready to meet the Lord”.
Ross is survived by his wife, Diana, his sister Dorothy Goodrum, Warner Robins, GA, his sons, Kyle Kennedy (Monica), Louisville, KY, Russell Kennedy (Dina), Clear Lake, TX, Billy Parker Anna), Hinton, WV, his daughter Cindee Kraft, Louisville, KY, grandsons Rusty Kennedy, Shane Kennedy, and Trevor Kennedy, granddaughters, Taylor Kuo, Shelby Wiesemann, nieces, Melanie and Sharon Morgan, nephew, Terry Allan Kennedy and an abundance of friends. Stanley Wiggins, who is Diana’s ex-husband, and Ross affectionately referred to one another as “Husbands-In-Law” – humor shared by the extended families.
At this time, there will be no funeral and no flowers, please. Donations may be made to Halifax Health Hospice, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, Florida.
A Memorial Celebration and Memorial Bike Ride will take place at a later date. Our friend, Rossman Kennedy, was a “Peace” maker.
Chuck and I are so very sorry to read of Ross’s passing. He was such a kind man and loved by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nena and Chuck Brugger
One of the best men we had the honor and privilege of calling our friend
I truly feel honored to have known him. What a great man.
It was a pleasure to be your friend and enjoyed riding with you and Diane , fly high my friend
Lots wing hugs coming your way rossman love ya richard and beth
So glad we had a great ride with Ross and Diana on St. Patty's Day. We have all been blessed to have known and loved him.
Always smiling. Daytona bike week 2020
Our last Bike Week Ride ❤️