William W. Kennedy

Green Cove Springs, Florida - William W. Kennedy, III, 82, formerly of Portland passed on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 in Orange Park, Florida. Born in Cape Elizabeth on December 18, 1935, William was the son of the late William Kennedy, Jr. and Helen (McBrady) Kennedy. Bill grew up at Fort Williams, assisting his father who provided supplies to light houses on Casco Bay and The Gulf of Maine. Throughout his life, he fondly remembered taking boat trips to the various lighthouses up and down the coast, dropping off supplies, and heading back to Cape Elizabeth. He graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1955. The familiarity of being on the water as a young man influenced his decision to join the United States Navy in 1955, a career he held for 23 years. While on a short leave from the Navy, Bill came home to find that his parents and arranged a date for him with a young woman named Rosemary Murray. Little did they know, that date would begin a relationship that would span nearly 40 years. Bill and Rosemary were married in 1963 and a few years later, they began their family. Raising their children on the foundations of Love, Family and Hard Work. Rosemary predeceased Bill in June of 2000. Throughout his military career, Bill and his wife were able to see the world. One of their most memorable places he was stationed was the French Rivera for 2 years, as well as many naval bases throughout Europe. However, the majority of his career was spent in Norfolk, Virginia and Brunswick, Maine. Bill retired in 1976 from the Navy and began his second career with the State of Maine as a Child Support Enforcement Officer, retiring after 15 years of service. In 2007, Bill decided to move to Green Cove Springs, Florida to be closer to his kids and Grandchildren. He will always be remembered for being a jokester, sharing his Navy stories, but most of all, being a loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Alfred and Robert. He is survived by his daughter, Mary McMinn and husband Alan of Green Cove Springs, Florida; sons, William Kennedy and his partner Cathy Robichaud of Portland, and Eric Kennedy and wife Melissa of Jacksonville, Florida. Bill was the loving grandfather to Steven, Hanna, Eric, Kodie, Meagan and Jacob. He is also survived by his brothers, Charles Kennedy, Henry Kennedy, John Kennedy and Fred Kennedy. Visiting Hours celebrating Mr. Kennedy's life will be held from 11-1PM on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland followed by a Funeral Ceremony at 1PM. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Stevens Avenue, Portland. The family requests in lieu of Flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society by visiting www.Cancer.org