Edward C. Kennedy

Edward Crosby Kennedy, 86, of Lexington, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on April 7, 1940, he was a son of the late Glenn Owens Kennedy, Sr. and Clara Blanche Crosby Kennedy.

Ed graduated from Dreher High School before continuing his education at Furman University. He also completed studies at the School of Banking of the South, preparing for a distinguished career in banking and mortgage lending. Throughout his professional life, he earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike, building lasting friendships and trusted relationships through his integrity, kindness and commitment to serving others.

Following his retirement from the banking industry, Ed joined the staff of Shives Funeral Home. There, he faithfully ministered to families, offering his Christ-like compassion and a comforting presence to so many of the same people who had supported him over the years.

Ed began attending Shandon Baptist Church as an infant. His love for his Lord was evident through decades of faithful service and leadership. He served for many years as Director of Sunday School, taught countless Bible classes, and was actively involved in nearly every aspect of church life. Most recently, he was a devoted member of the Abundantly Blessed Sunday School Class. In recognition of his many years of dedicated service, Shandon Baptist Church honored him in 2025 with the title of Deacon Emeritus.

Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Nena Heald Potter Kennedy; his nieces and nephews, Glenda Renee Gore Queen of Columbia, James Ryan Gore of Elgin, and Jill Christina Gore Baxter (Jordan) of Hoover, Alabama, Kelli Taylor Wilson of Oak Ridge, TN, Robert Knox Wilson, III (Tripp) of Shelby, NC, Holli Kay Wilson of Shelby NC, Kevin Edward Wilson of Chicago, IL, Jonathan Wesley Wilson of Rochester Hills, MI, Laura Diane Kennedy Rentz, Debra Elaine Kennedy and Suzanne Elizabeth Kennedy all of Beaufort, SC; his great-nieces, Sarah Renee Queen, Kennady Virginia Baxter, and Colbie Elizabeth Baxter; and his brothers-in-law, Jarvis Gore, Knox Wilson and Ken Wilson (Aggie).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Kay Wilson Kennedy; his sister, Lynda Kennedy Gore; and his brother, Glenn Owens Kennedy, Jr.

Following a private burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park, a service celebrating Ed's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Drive, Columbia, with the Rev. Joseph Huggins officiating. A reception and time of visitation will immediately follow in the church's Gathering Place. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.