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