Rev. George E. ("Precious") Kennedy, 83, of Erie, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 3, 2015.
George was raised and educated in the Pittsburgh area, graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School in 1949. In 1953, he was inducted into the US Army during the Korean Conflict, where he served at Ft. Rucker, Ala. and Ft. Benning, Ga. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and was later honorably discharged, returning home to the Pittsburgh area. He began his further education at California State University, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Science and Education.
George was called into the ministry in 1959, graduating later from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
His first Charge was Clover Hill and Newkirk Parish, adding the Ebenezer congregation, thereby building a new combined parish called Grace United Methodist Church in Coal Center, Pa. His second charge was Trinity United Methodist Church in Erie from 1982-1993 and he retired from full-time ministry there.
During his retirement, Rev. Kennedy served many people and churches, in many ways. He served the Hydetown/Tryonville parish, 10th St. United Methodist Church in Erie, the Lowville United Methodist Church, The Beaverdam Mennonite Church, and currently served as Chaplain of Spring Hill Retirement Community.
Rev. Kennedy was a member of the Western PA Conference, Koinonia of Erie# K17, where he served many weekends, and member of the Core Board and Spiritual Director; he was a member of the Koinonia Singers as well. George enjoyed fishing, singing and preaching "The Word." He was always known to have words of grace to people, and to let them know how precious in the Lord they were.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ellen Morrison in 2014; and a brother, Everett Kennedy in 2005.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ellen (Stoodley) Kennedy, whom he married June 1, 1982, in Donora, Pa.; a daughter, Cheryl Jean Wenner (Ronald) of Wilburton, Okla.; three sons, Mark Kennedy (Lynda) of Wexford, Timothy Kennedy of Erie, and John Kennedy (Carrie) of Princeton, W.Va.; two stepsons, Andrew Carson of Hampton, Ga., and Christopher Carson (Stacey) of Whitmore Lake, Mich.; a sister, Rhoda Schademan (Fred) of Pleasant Hills, Pa.; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 3952 Pine Ave., Erie, PA 16504, on Sunday,June 7 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and are invited to attend services there on June 8 at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Melissa Geisler, pastor of the church, officiating.
Interment will be in the Maple Creek Cemetery, Washington County.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.
Rev. Kennedy's family would like to express their gratitude to Great Lakes Hospice, for their loving and compassionate care that they received during George's last months.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edder Funeral Home, Inc., Girard. To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com.