Obituary of Donald Edward Kennedy

Donald Edward Kennedy, better known as Donnie, age 73, of Beech Creek, WV passed away early Saturday morning, September 12, 2020 at home in Winston-Salem with his daughter, granddaughters, and son-in-law by his side. Donnie was born Wednesday, May 28, 1947 in Phelps, Kentucky to the late Ermal and Irene Scott Kennedy. He was also preceded in death by his beloved sister, Virginia Louise “Penny” Kennedy. Donnie moved to Winston-Salem from West Virginia, at the age of 18, to pursue his talent and love of working on cars as a mechanic. He was truly an expert mechanic. Donnie worked at Goodyear Tire, Oldsmobile, and the old Chevrolet dealership on the corner of 4th and Broad in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. He retired from Mock Tire after many years of service. His expertise in auto mechanics was sought out widely by many. Even after he lost his sight, he could tell exactly what was wrong with a vehicle. Many people would pick him up and take him to help advise how to repair their vehicles. Donnie loved to work on cars with friends and family. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and special fishing trips with his only daughter, Jenny. He never missed a NASCAR race or a WVU football game. His daughter and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Donnie is survived by his only child, daughter, Jennifer “Jenny” Irlene Kennedy Manning and husband Paul of Winston-Salem; grandchildren, Mya “Myra” Alexandra Manning and Lily Dare Manning of the home and Richard “PJ” Paul Manning II of Lexington, NC; brothers, Ronnie Kennedy and wife Dinky of Blackberry, KY and Timmy Kennedy of Beech Creek, WV; sisters, Linda Daniels and husband Tommy of Beech Creek, WV and Diane Daniels and husband Phillip of Beech Creek, WV; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. A Memorial Services will be held at 5:00 PM Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Beech Creek Community Park, 10 Park Drive, Beech Creek Rd., Matewan, WV 25678 and Saturday, September 26, 2020 in Ashe County, NC. Donnie was loved and respected by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed by all, but never forgotten.