J.C. Thomas "Jay" Kennedy

J.C. Thomas “Jay” Kennedy, age 18 of Puryear, TN, died Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at Henry County Medical Center in Paris, TN.

He was a member of Puryear Baptist Church.  Jay was an offensive lineman, #53, for the Henry County High School Patriot football team from 2015-2018.  Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to play football at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN.  He also played basketball and enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School at Puryear Baptist Church.  Jay loved the Lord and was loved by many people.

Jay was born June 25, 2000, in Paris, TN.

He is survived by his father, Jason Kennedy of Puryear, TN; his mother, Billie Bruce Kennedy and special friend, Jessie Burden of Paris, TN; two brothers, Jaden Ragsdale of Paris, TN, and Ian Kennedy of Paris, TN; grandparents, Patty Kennedy of Puryear, TN, Glenda Bruce of Paris, TN, Jack Bruce of Paris, TN, and Teresa “Mama T” Bennett of Paris, TN; great grandparents, Bill & Edna Moody of Puryear, TN; three aunts, Carly Johnson of Danville, KY, Julie Kennedy Jackson of Puryear, TN, and Dena Johnson of Tiptonville, TN; and one uncle, Adam Kennedy of Puryear, TN.

He was preceded in death by one grandfather, Larry Kennedy; and great grandparents, J.C. & Mary Triplett, James Bruce, Ethel Lou Hall, and Ralph & Opal Kennedy.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN, where visitation will be Friday, July 20, 2018, from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and continue Saturday, July 21, 2018, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at Tennessee Valley Community Church in Paris. The funeral service will be Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 11:00 am at Tennessee Valley Community Church, with Bro. Mike Rhodes, Bro. Michael Lawrence, Coach James Counce, and Coach Tony Bonds officiating.

Pallbearers will be Jason Kennedy, Blake Kennedy, Stuart Archer, Casey Mounts, Michael Lane, Avery McKee, Drew James, and Alex Coffield.  Honorary pallbearers will be Preston Willtrout, all members, coaches and staff of the Henry County High School Football Team, and all members, coaches and staff of the Bethel University Football Team.

Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery in Cottage Grove, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to:  The Jay Kennedy Family, c/o Ridgeway Funeral Home, PO Box 788 / 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN 38242, to help with funeral expenses.