Joe’s hobby was classic cars and trucks from the 1950s and 1960s. Joe was known for his perseverance and ability to analyze and repair plumbing issues as well as many engine issues on old classic cars and trucks. He was self-taught on solar and battery systems. He built a home in South Double Diamond. He and his wife, Cindy, lived there for 28 years, and the first 15 years were off the electric grid. Joseph

Wilson Kennedy, 73, of Alpine died in Ojinaga, Mexico, from a heart attack on August 3.

Joseph “Joe” Wilson Kennedy, or “JoJo” as his nieces and nephews affectionately called him, was born in Kennard in 1950 to Effie Mae and Fred Wallace Kennedy, who raised 12 children on their 100acre farm. He loved and respected his parents and their resolve and resilience to make the best of any situation and keep going during life’s many trials. He followed his parents’ example and displayed a great resolve and resilience throughout his life. Joe attended Kennard High School. He was drafted into the Army less than a year out of high school on March 3, 1970. His experience in Vietnam increased his enduring strength, tenacity, and survival instincts. He made a close friend while in Vietnam and often talked of him. He was able to find his friend, Sonny Cook, and they reconnected in 2014.

Joe will always be remembered for his meticulous pride in his work and his stories about cars and growing up on his parent’s farm in rural East Texas. In his earlier years, his favorite phrase was, “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” In his later years, it was, “One day above ground is better than a day below.” We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, sibling, and uncle, and will miss Joe every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Joe was preceded in death by parents: Fred Kennedy and Effie Kennedy and siblings: Dorthy Steel, Lydia Jones, Bessie Ely, Clarence Kennedy, Barbara Mills, Eva Harlan, and Fred Kennedy, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, and his siblings Claude Kennedy, Clara Ries, Jane Kennedy, Mary Jane Brown and many nieces and nephews.

His memorial service will be held on August 31 at 11a.m. at First Baptist Church at 203 N. 4th Street in Alpine.