Roger M. Kennedy

Roger McDonald Kennedy, 83, of Savannah, GA., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eva Duchess Beasley and Harry Wyman Kennedy, his sister and brothers in law, Evelyn K. and James Bukoski, North Tonawanda, New York and Annette K. and Charles Campbell, Bossier City, Louisiana. Hunting and fishing were a big part of his life, with fishing winning out in his later years. His fish fries were wonderful occasions although Roger never cooked a fish in his life. He’d invite friends to his beautiful home on Burnside Island and get his guests involved in the cooking. There was always plenty of fish and good times. He was active in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church where he was a member of the Inquirer’s Sunday School Class, served on Church Council, the 39 and Just Holdin’, the Lutheran Men’s and the Etc Group. He was also Captain of the 8:30 Service ushers for many years until his health failed. Roger was a member of Hq Battery 118 F.A. Georgia National Guard, Zerubbabel Lodge # 15 F &AM, Scottish Rite, the Alee Shriners, the German Friendly Society, The Quarterback Club and the Exchange Club of Savannah. In 1992, having been employed in the steel distribution business for many years and approaching retirement age, Roger purchased the assets of Universal Steel Company and began business as Universal Steel Supply, Inc. When his wife retired from her job, he put her to work in the business. Some twenty-two years later Universal Steel is very much a family business, employing children and grandchildren in addition to their other employees. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years plus, Shirley Linton Kennedy; his daughter, Juli Miller (Tony); sons, Roger “Don” Kennedy, Jr., and Stephen Kennedy (Angi); six grandchildren, Josh Miller, Kennedy “Kami” Whitledge (Patrick), Caylan Kennedy, Dylan Kennedy, Julia Kennedy, Rachael Lietz (Todd); three great-grandchildren, Miller Whitledge, TJ and Ava Lietz; one brother, Harry A. Kennedy (Cathryn), sister in law, Margaret Pennfield (Harry) and brother in law, R. Lamar Linton (Katherine); many nieces and nephews, and his adorable German Schnauzer “Pepper”. The family wishes to thank the various doctors, nurses and other staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital who lovingly provided expert care for him during the past ten days. Visitation: 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Friday, March 11, 2016 at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Chapel. (Formerly Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel). Funeral Service: 10:30am, Saturday, March 12, 2016 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Pastor Peter J. Hartmann officiating. Burial will be private. Honorary Pallbearers: The Exchange Club members and The Early Service Ushers. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roger’s honor may be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 W 31st Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401. Baker McCullough Funeral Home Hodgson Chapel 912-927-1999 www.bakermccullough.com

Roger M. Kennedy

August 16, 1932 - March 8, 2016