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Kennedy, David Wade

August 19, 1946 –
 January 6, 2019

Obituary

David Wade Kennedy was a builder. He built not only award-winning homes, but an enduring 51-year marriage to his college sweetheart, a large and tight-knit family, a close personal bond with his Lord and Savior, and a legacy of patience, compassion and service that will long outlast his short-lived time on this earth. David passed away January 6, 2019 at the age of 72. He was born in Dallas, Texas on August 19, 1946 to Robert and Ruth Kennedy. He was raised in Oak Cliff, graduated from Kimball High School in 1964, and loved to give family and friends tours of his old stomping grounds – sometimes unsolicited. He attended Texas Tech University where he met Sandy, whom he married in 1967 at Highland Baptist Church on Oak Lawn Avenue. David was immensely proud of their three children – Jill, Ashley, and Wade – who learned from their father the foundational principles necessary to build their own families. He was affectionately known as “Pop” by his ten grandchildren and could always be found (and usually heard) at their many recitals, plays and sporting events. David was a second-generation homebuilder with more than 50 years in the construction business. He was a member of the Dallas Builder’s Association and was selected to build the “New American Home” for the 1988 National Association of Homebuilders Convention in Dallas – an honor which, as his children still proudly note, landed him an appearance on Good Morning America. He also started and ran RA Racers, a Dallas-based company that has supplied pinewood derby kits and cars to Baptist church groups across the United States for more than 40 years. David loved golf, Red Raider athletics and spending time with family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Gordon Kennedy.  He is survived by his wife Sandy, daughter Jill and husband Jay, daughter Ashley and husband Jimmy, son Wade and wife Lauri, grandchildren Spencer, Andrew, Gracie, Hank, Maggie, Annie, Julia, Will, Sam and Fitz, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that he loved as family and was always eager to help.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at University Park UMC, 4024 Caruth, Dallas, Texas 75225, where David’s life will be remembered and celebrated through word and song, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Wesley-Rankin Community Center (www.wesleyrankin.org/give) – an education-based community outreach program beloved by David.

___________________________________________________________ A Signature Service under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 10116 E. Northwest Highway Dallas, Texas 75238 214-340-8008

    Kathy Krueger
    11 Jan 2019
    7:56am

    So sorry for you loss and loss to whole family.

    Sandy Sands Jones
    11 Jan 2019
    11:49am

    Back in the sixties, David and Sandy were part of a dinner club that met six times yearly. What fun we had! Such a gracious couple. Remember the time the raccoon wandered into the kitchen while we were eating?! Always felt welcome in their home❤️

    Gloria Patterson
    12 Jan 2019
    10:20am

    David was a terrific person, he genuinely cared for others, when he asked how your day was he really wanted to know. We will miss you so much, our terrific sweet friend, as you all will. Memories of fun times, golf, laughs. Payers to the family and all our love, Bob and Gloria

    Ronnie Ward
    12 Jan 2019
    12:27pm

    Remember David as Gordon’s brother and the nice party you gave for his birthday. Our sympathy to all your family.

    Mike Gillett
    14 Jan 2019
    10:27pm

    Sandy and family,
    My prayers go out to each of you. I remember my times with David from over 50 years ago and seeing and talking with him at our high school reunion. My rememberance is of a wonderful boy and man. David was kind, caring, always thoughtful and understanding of others. I know that all his wonderful traits and love for others will be evidenced everyday in each of you. May God bless each of you by knowing that David is with Him and will also be with each of you as you walk through this life knowing that you will be reunited.
    Mike Gillett

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The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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