Bernard Lane Kennedy

Bernard Lane “Billy” Kennedy passed peacefully into internal rest on April 21, 2026, at the age of 92. He was born in Pembroke, Georgia, on September 21, 1933, to Wiley Ivey Kennedy and Essie Lee Lane Kennedy. He was a lifelong resident of Pembroke. He was a 1951 graduate of Bryan County High School where his passion during his high school years was playing basketball under the guidance and coaching of Robert Bowers.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents. In additional to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jessica Ennis, and his sister, Dolores Kennedy Speir.

Left to cherish a lifetime of memories is his wife of 72 years, Iris Jewell Williamson Kennedy, his children, Diane Ennis (Jerry), Richard Kennedy (Sharon), and Pamela Miller, all of Pembroke; his grandchildren, Gini Ennis, Ricky Kennedy (Stacy), Neill Kennedy (Brittney), Justin Miller (Brandi), Jeremy Ennis, and Keith Shabi. He was also blessed with great grandchildren, Madison, Neil, Jr., Cyrus, Luna, Sophie and Waylon. He is also survived by his sister Bonita Futch (Jack), along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Billy met the love of his life, Iris Jewell Williamson, at a young age, beginning their courtship in the 7th grade. They married on August 28, 1953, and enjoyed 72 happy years of marriage.

Billy proudly served in the U. S. Army after joining in 1957, later serving in the reserves before joining the Army National Guard.

Billy worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation and retired after 34 years of service. Following retirement, he continued working with the Bryan County Planning and Zoning for 8 years.

Billy enjoyed gospel music and was proud to be a member of The Friendly Five Quartet and The Gospel Carriers in his earlier years.

Billy enjoyed and took great pride in tending to the large blueberry patch in his back yard, originally planted and cared for by his father. He and his father enjoyed sharing blueberries with other relatives and friends in the community. He and his wife also enjoyed camping with their friends, attending Bluegrass Festivals and watching Nascar races.

Visitation will be held at Flanders Powell Funeral Home in Pembroke, Georgia, on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Following visitation, family and friends are invited to gather in the Chapel at the Flanders Powell Funeral Home in honor Billy’s life and rejoice in the presence of the Lord. Interment will follow at Northside Cemetery in Pembroke, Georgia.

The family is grateful for every expression of sympathy; however, they suggest that in memory of Billy, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Flanders Powell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Bernard Lane “Billy” Kennedy.