“King David Kennedy” was born December 12, 1934 in Moore County, North Carolina. He was the youngest child of the late William and Emily Kennedy. He departed this life on Saturday February 25, 2017 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

David was educated in the public schools of New York City. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. Prior to leaving for the military, David met the love of his life, Lillie Grace Johnson. They corresponded for years; and once he was discharged from the Army, he married Grace on March 23, 1957. Their union was blessed with three children: Alfred (deceased), Beverly and Karen.

David always had a strong work ethic and loved people. His last employment prior to retirement was with St. Nicholas Park Civic Association, which was a non-profit organization in New York City dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Harlem community. David served as the President and Executive Director. Prior to that, he worked for the Y.M.C.A. Harlem Branch as the Associate Executive and the Resident Manager. He also worked with the Board of Directors and with the community, establishing policies and programs to benefit the Harlem Community. David was very active in the Harlem and Westside communities for over twenty years.  He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from The American Theological Seminary in Milledgeville, Georgia on June 7, 1986.  David was a natural leader; and in November 1986, he decided to run for political office. He ran for State Senator in the 29th Senatorial District. He didn’t win but continued to work for the people of that community.

David received many awards and accolades, including: The Aaaron Stegger Memorial Award for Leadership; Outstanding Community Services Award; Andrew Stein Borough President Citation for Outstanding Achievements in the Community; Man of the Year Award 1975; Humanitarian Award 1976; Mayor Ed Koch Office Award; Local Selective Service Board Appointed by President Reagan; View from the Torch 1986 Living Treasure Award New YorkC; and Certificate of Excellence The New York Chamber of Commerce.

David retired from his job in New York, and being led by the Lord, he moved to Columbia, South Carolina with his family. Although David retired from his job in New York, he wasn’t quite ready to remain retired, so he joined the workforce once again. He worked for Galeana Chrysler for several years and retired for a second time. He retired from his secular jobs but never retired from the Lord.

David had been baptized in the name of Jesus several years prior to his moving.  He received the Holy Spirit at Beulah Refuge under the Pastorate of the late Elder Roscoe Grant, where he received his calling into the ministry. Minister Kennedy later joined Refuge Temple in Columbia under the Pastorate of the late Bishop William L. Bonner. He was one of the founding members of Refuge Temple and worked as a foreman, assisting in the construction of the church. Pastor Bonner appointed Minister Kennedy as the first President of the Ministerial Board. He held that position for several years and then became a spiritual advisor to the Board. Minister Kennedy was instrumental in organizing and bringing to fruition the first Men’s Retreat. Minister Kennedy attended the W.L. Bonner School of Bible and Theology. In August of 2005, during the International Holy Convocation, he was ordained as an Elder in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. Elder Kennedy served on the Pastor’s Birthday Committee, was a regular Sunday School member and was a faithful member to his church until his health declined.  He was crowned the Seasoned Senior of the Year in 2014, was awarded the George Drayton Father’s Day Award and was inducted into the W.L. Bonner Hall of Fame in 2014. Elder Kennedy had a love for people. He especially loved to mentor and talk with young men. He would discuss life, how to be a man, how to tie a tie, how to dress, and he especially would talk to them about taking care of their families. Elder Kennedy loved his family, church, and his community.

Elder Kennedy was predeceased by his parents, William and Emily Kennedy; son, Alfred R. Kennedy; and two brothers, George and William “Billy” Kennedy.

He leaves to continue his legacy, his wife of 58 years, Lillie G. Kennedy of the home; daughters, Beverly Kennedy McClerklin and Karen (Gerald) Toland, both of Irmo, South Carolina; grandchildren: Tamika Kennedy of Brooklyn, New York, Alexis McClerklin and McWallace Williams, III, both of Irmo, South Carolina; great- grandchildren: Valesse Kennedy, Jovan Sobers and Jayden Torres, all of Brooklyn, New York, Faith Johnson of Irmo, South Carolina; brother, James Jones of Hagatna City, Guam; sister, Helen Hunter of Grand Prairie, Texas. He also leaves: brothers-in-law, Arto (Delores) Johnson of Mauldin, South Carolina and Robert Johnson of Greenville, South Carolina; sisters-in-law: Elvira Kennedy of Columbia, South Carolina, Lydia (Bobby) Sullivan of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Bobbie (Oliver) Claxton and Henrietta Johnson, both of Greenville, South Carolina and Catherine (Robert) Riggins of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; adopted family: Alexander, Shirlene, Shechianh, Akilah, Omari and Samaj Stewart of Irmo, South Carolina; adopted daughters, Manasseh Crockett of Charlotte, North Carolina and Greta Lytle of Queens, New York; godchildren: Phyllis Pelzer and Gregory Green of Queens, New York and Vanessa Smith of Hopkins, South Carolina; the Camp family of Hollis, New York; his Penshore Court family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives, all whom will miss Elder Kennedy by his departure, but rejoice that he is now resting with the Lord.