David Tinsely Kennedy, III

David Tinsely Kennedy, III

January 11, 1953 - July 31, 2019

David Tinsely Kennedy, III

January 11, 1953 - July 31, 2019

Obituary

David tinsley kennedy iii, 66, of charleston, w.Va., died july 31, 2019 after a decade-long battle with multiple myeloma.

Mr. Kennedy worked for the west virginia public service commission for 28 years. He was a dedicated worker who often came in on weekends and holidays to make up for work days lost due to chemotherapy. He worked up until the time he collapsed near the office on july 3rd.

He was a lifelong roman catholic, a democrat, and a lover of opera, classical music and choral music.

Mr. Kennedy was born jan. 11, 1953, in richmond, va., the son of the late david t. Kennedy jr. And jean stephenson kennedy. He grew up in beckley and was a 1971 graduate of greenbrier military school. He graduated with a degree in political science from randolph-macon college in 1976. He also had a master’s degree from the west virginia college of graduate studies.

He never married, but was a loving father figure to lauren reasor of huntington, whom he called his “pseudo-daughter,” who along with her mother, cindy franz, would nurse him through his final days.

To the surprise of his brothers, who never heard him sing a note as a child, mr. Kennedy developed an interest in singing in middle age. He sang in the choir of the sacred heart co-cathedral, and with that group, once sang at the vatican. He also sang with the west virginia symphony chorus. His music opened up a new world of travel and friendships. In addition to travels to europe, mr. Kennedy would often travel to a large city to attend an opera or symphony.  mr. Kennedy’s final days were much enhanced by the love, visits, prayers, cards, letters, calls,  and concern of his fellow choristers, co-workers  and friends,

he was preceded in death by his fur companion, murphy who passed in 2007.

Mr. Kennedy is survived by two brothers, thomas d. Kennedy (rose) of little rock, ark., and michael f. Kennedy (jeanne) of roanoke, va; as well as nephews, thomas kennedy jr. And nicholas kennedy (tara), both of dallas, tex.; and leonard kennedy and lucas kennedy of roanoke.

Mass of christian burial will be held 11:00 am., saturday, august 3, 2019 at the basilica of the co-cathedral of the sacred heart, charleston, wv with the very rev. Father donald x. Higgs officiating. Burial will be held at 2:30 p.M. At sunset memorial park, beckley, wv.

The family will receive family and friends from 5-7 pm. Friday, august 2, 2019 at barlow bonsall funeral home, charleston, wv with a rosary service at 6:30 p.M.

You may send condolences to the family at: www.Barlowbonsall.Com.

Barlow-bonsall funeral home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.

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8 responses to David Tinsely Kennedy, III

  1. Relationship: Former Co-Worker
    Location: St. Albans West Virginia

    I Worked At The Public Service Commission For A Number Of Years Also. I Did Not Work Directly With Dave, But Would Run Into Him At The Commons Area On The Second Floor, Where We Would Engage In The “Group Conversation Of The Day”, Depending On Who Was In There. He Was A Thoughtful Person, And Always Kind In His Comments. I Extend My Condolences To The Family In Your Loss, And Note The Commission Will Be A Less Interesting Place Without Dave.

  2. Relationship: Colleague In Wvsc
    Location: Charleston West Virginia

    A Beautiful Spirit. He Fought The Good Fight And Now Sings In The Kingdom!

  3. Koki Hunter says:

    Relationship: Wv Symphony Chorus
    Location: Charleston West Virginia

    David Is Resting In Peace And Love In The Glory Of Our Father And Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ. God Is Our Refuge And Strength The Comfort Of All Comfort. Father We Deliver David To You For Continued Grace And Love Through The Power Of The Holy Spirit That Dwells In Us Missing You David. Your Friend Koki

  4. Jim Boggess says:

    Location: State College Pennsylvania

    R.I.P. Dave From A From A Retired Coworker. You Fought A Courageous Battle.

  5. Relationship: A Long Term Friend After Gms
    Location: Mount Hope West Virginia

    David And I Shared A Lot Of Friendship Time On The Phone And Going Out. We Supported Each Other Through The Trials Of Daily Life. David Was Always Enjoyable To Be With. I Knew Later In Life Of His Singing Talent But Was Unaware Of His Decade Long Battle With Mutiple Myeloma. His Pain Is Over And I Hope He Is Still Able To Enjoy Singing In Heaven. He Will Be Missed By All Who Knew Him, Including Myself.

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