Billy Joe Kennedy

Billy Joe Kennedy, 86, passed away on February 6, 2023, in Dallas, TX at Goodlife Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Bill was born at home in Goldthwaite, TX on August 14, 1936, to Henry Grady Kennedy and Pearly Mae Malone Kennedy.  He was the youngest of 3 children and was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Charles Kennedy, and sister, Melba Fisher.

Bill was married to Jeanette “Janie” Kennedy for 47 years.  She preceded him in death on December 1, 2020.  He is survived by his two children, Mary Kay Butts of Vail, AZ, and Jeff Kennedy of Dallas, TX.  Also, his stepchildren, Rob Seale of Clarendon, TX and Cindy Flowers of Amarillo, TX; along with 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Bill graduated from Canyon High School in Canyon, TX in 1954.  He went to work for Pioneer Natural Gas Company as an engine repairman and built that into a career as a gas plant supervisor over several plants, living in Pampa, Amarillo and Odessa, TX.  In 1991, he retired from Cabot Corporation, moving to Lubbock to be closer to family.

Throughout his life, he had a knack for working with his hands and would take pride in repairing things like small appliances, cars, home repair.  And once he retired, making birdhouses.

Bill loved music and learned to play the guitar and bass guitar in his 20’s.  He went on to play with several country and western bands, even recording an album with a band from Amarillo, TX.

While living in Odessa in the 70’s and 80’s, Bill was an active member of the Masonic Fellowship Lodge #1385 where he rose in rank and became Worshipful Master.  He was highly involved in helping new members learn rites and progress through the degrees of freemasonry.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2023, in Amarillo, TX at the Llano Cemetery Mausoleum.  Burial will be at Llano Cemetery.  Masonic Rites will be provided by Amarillo Masonic Lodge #731.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.