Thomas Reynolds Kennedy Jr., 80, of Rockingham, North Carolina, peacefully completed his earthly journey surrounded by his loving family at his home on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026.
Tommy was born to the late Thomas Reynolds Kennedy and Thelma Daughtridge Kennedy on June 19, 1946, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
He spent a happy childhood surrounded by a loving family, learning at an early age the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the love of Eastern-style barbecue.
Tommy graduated from North Carolina State University School of Textiles in 1969 and was drafted shortly after to honorably serve in the United States Army. Tommy believed in hard work and enjoyed a lifelong career in textiles working with J.P. Stevens, Spring Industries, Doran Textiles, TNS Mills, and UCO Fabrics. He also spent a short time selling insurance with North Carolina Farm Bureau.
Tommy loved all things sports, especially football, basketball, baseball, softball and tennis. He played all these sports as long as he physically could and then found enjoyment by watching sports on TV. Tommy was proud to be a longtime Richmond Raider Booster. He was an avid Richmond Raiders fan who could always be found in Raider stadium on Friday nights.
Tommy loved his church and was a proud member of Rourk Presbyterian Church in Ellerbe. He served his church in many capacities through the years including church treasurer, deacon, elder and Sunday school superintendent. He was a proud member of the Millstone Men, proudly supporting all their causes, especially the barbecue fundraisers. He was always fulfilled by organizing the church Christmas bag endeavor and found that to be a highlight of his Christmas season each year.
Tommy’s greatest accomplishment was his family. He married the love of his life, Diane Carter, and they shared 58 years of marriage. Together they raised three children. True happiness came when he became Papa TomTom to his three precious grandchildren whom he truly adored.
Tommy is survived by his beloved wife Diane; daughter Julie Howard and son-in-law Joel of Ellerbe; son Thomas Kennedy and daughter-in-law Joy of Rockingham; son Brandon Kennedy of Rockingham; his cherished grandchildren, Jude Russell Howard of Raleigh, Thomas Radford Kennedy of Chapel Hill, Anna Joy Kennedy of Rockingham; as well as special in-laws, Mary Ellen Carter, Dwight and Kathleen Carter, Linda Carter, and Willa Spivey. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Margo and Nick Moore; as well as in-laws Clarence and Becky Frazier, Eldridge and Maggie Carter, Hill Carter, Tom Carter, Larry Carter, Morris and Martha Carter, Travis Carter and Andy Spivey.
A service to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at noon at Rourk Presbyterian Church in Ellerbe. Visitation will be from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Millstone Men of the Church, c/o Jim Gibson, 342 Gibson Nursery Road, Ellerbe NC 28338; or to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 U.S. Highway 1 N., Rockingham NC 28379.
Condolences may be made online at carterfuneral.net.
