Johnny Ray Kennedy

Johnny Ray Kennedy, 64, of Decatur, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 5, 2011. A native of McMinn and Meigs counties, he lost his eye sight in a dynamite explosion in 1973 and was well-known as the "One Eyed Jack" on the CB radio for several years. He was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed spending time talking with visitors about the Bible. He also enjoyed fishing, working with his hands, and listening to books on tape form the Foundation of the Blind. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Ray Kennedy; his grandmother, Pearl Wilson; his mother and step father, Lucille and Bill Lillard; his father and stepmother, Elmer and Daphna Kennedy; a younger brother, Eddie Carruth; and several aunts and uncles. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Dorothy Gennoe Kennedy; his daughter and son-in-law, Joy and Jeff Lamb of Decatur; his son and daughter-in-law, Johnathan and Marquietta Kennedy of Vonore; his grandchildren, Isaiah and Joshua Lamb, and his soon-to-be-born grandson, Zandrall Kennedy. He is also survived by a sister, Joyce Ann Hawkins of Benton; several half-brothers and half-sisters, Eddie, Bob, Frank, and David Kennedy, Deborah Thompson, Mary Sue Goins, and Sara Joyner; his aunts, Hester Stevens and Betty Kennedy; several nieces and nephews; and some very special friends, Herman and Louise White of Decatur, Walter and Dottie Liles of Knoxville, and John and Linda Lamb of Decatur. His wishes were to be cremated and the family will have a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Friday at The Five Point Baptist Church with the Rev. Stan Cantrell officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Foundation of the Blind books on Tape Program. Special thanks to Guardian Home Health.