Michael Bruce Kennedy Sr.'s Obituary
Mike Kennedy Sr., born in January 1947, passed away on Friday, April 19th, 2024. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jean Kennedy, his son Michael Kennedy Jr. (Angela), and his cherished grandchildren, David, Drew, Whitney, and great granddaughters Iris and Leilani. Included are his sisters Sharon Lyster, Nancy Scheltes (Bob), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Raised as an only son among four sisters by his single mother, Mike's industrious demeanor shone from a young age when he began delivering newspapers at the age of 8. In 1965, Mike exchanged vows with his beloved Jean, embarking on a journey that would see them owning a gas and service station together. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to acquire A1A Auto Parts in November 1972, to run it ever since with Mike being a fixture front and center to all coming into the business. Mike led a group association of central Florida salvage yards and was instrumental in the forming of a statewide action group for salvage yards. Mike was always interested in fishing, even opening a bait and tackle store called The Fishin Shed and designing and manufacturing fishing lures. Mike preferred to not sit at home, he’d rather be out and about, even just to have a look around and get a good meal. He enjoyed a good game of solitaire and hated visiting a doctor. Mike leaves behind a legacy of love and camaraderie, deeply felt by his family, friends, and the employees he considered as part of his extended family.
A viewing to celebrate Mike's life will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd, from 6pm to 8pm at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes - Southside Chapel, located at 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL 33801. A graveside service will take place April 24th at 10am at Oak Hill Cemetery, situated at 4620 U.S. Highway 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33812.
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