Birth date: Apr 9, 1944 Death date: Nov 26, 2023
The Honorable David S. Kennedy, retired Chief U. S Bankruptcy Judge, Western District of Tennessee, passed away peacefully at Trezevant Manor, a short distance from his mid-town home, on November 26, 2023. Judge Kennedy was born i Read Obituary
David was a fraternity brother and roommate at the Pike house at then Memphis State. He married my wife and me some twelve years ago. He was a mentor for my son Jeb who practiced law in Memphis. A wonderful man’s and a brilliant jurist will be missed but not forgotten. Jim Bailey
I can only express kind loving words about Judge K. I can truly say that he was one of a kind. I worked with him for a number of years assisting him when Ruth was on vacation. He would always ask about my family and always wanted to know how I was doing. He was a very kind person. Rest well Judge K.
My late husband and I were Judge Kennedy's greatest Jackson fans. He spoke at Ernie's funeral which was very comforting to me. As an attorney, I admired and respected him. Thursdays in his court were always the best. The family's obituary says everything else. He was a gentleman and a scholar, and will be missed by many.
Judge Kennedy was the kindest human I've ever met. He was instrumental in my career as he was my first boss out of law school, but more importantly he demonstrated integrity, fairness, equality, and kindness to everyone who came before him on the bench. Our world is a better place for him having touched it and everyone in his life.
Judge Kennedy was a wonderful judge! He would remind me how he used to have red hair. He was always so interested in others and their families. His collection of pictures from all the kids visits to his chambers! What great memories. Praying for his family and friends. I’m so glad I got to work with him all those years.
Judge K., as most of us at the court affectionately called him, was simply best of the best. He was the best boss, Judge, friend, and human being, We worked together for 40 years. He was kind, compassionate, patient (he had to be with me anyway) and a true gentleman. I remember he was always making notes in his bankruptcy code books. We finally took them out and had them hardbound. There were a few attorneys who would have loved to get their hands on them. I can't use the actual language used at the time, but one client from private practice called him a "rule quoting...........". Other judges from around the country would call him for his take on a certain matter along with people from the Administrative Office in Washington, DC. He will truly be missed as a Bankruptcy Judge and as a friend.
To David's Family,
David was a great guy to talk to--a fine man! I saw him for a number of years at Waffle Shop during Lent when I'd volunteer there! He'd come to eat quite often & I'd always get my hug! Have missed seeing him & getting my hug the last few years! 😔RIP, my friend & fellow Panther ❤️🖤(class of '71)--sending you a forever hug! Sending sympathy, prayers, & love at this difficult time!🙏🏼🙏🏼
Doey Barrar lit a candle in memory of David Kennedy
