1937-2026
In loving memory of Ezekiel Silvanus Kennedy Jr. "Zeke" who passed away at the age of 89 and a half on August 5th, 2026 in Susanville, California.
Zeke was born in Chattanooga Tennessee on February 7th, 1937 to Ezekiel Silvanus Kennedy II and Norma Christine Hays. However, he was raised by his grandmother Ida Kennedy who cared for him along with her own 9 children who were all older than Zeke. Ida was an amazing woman who Zeke called mom.
As a teenager, Zeke frequented the local skating rink where he met a very beautiful girl named Marilyn Gail Chilcutt. After a few "couples skates", he was able to get her phone number. They were married later that year in 1958 and enjoyed 61 wonderful years together until her passing in 2019. During their early years, they were happily blessed with two children, Donna and Robert.
In High School Zeke studied Typesetting. Apprenticing for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, he learned to manually set each letter block upside down and backwards, checking for accuracy and spacing of each line until a page was ready for ink. Later, he worked for several newspapers in Kentucky, San Francisco, and the Watsonville "Pajaronian". When computers began to replace older technologies, Zeke updated his skills and opened a publishing business, "Kennedy Typography" with his capable wife Gail assisting him. They later sold this business and retired to Sonora California. In 2020, Zeke moved to Susanville to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
Zeke is survived by his daughter Donna Kennedy (Douglas Cain Sr.), his son Robert Kennedy, daughter in-law Donna (Willis) Kennedy,
Grandchildren: Angie Langford & husband Matt Langford, Doug Cain Jr. & wife Sara Cain, Steven Cain, David Kennedy, Jared Kennedy, Katie (Kennedy) Harris & husband Colby Harris. Great grandchildren: Haley Strasburg, Britney Strasburg & Briar Dixon, Nathan Langford, Gavin Langford, Emily Langford, Dylan Langford, Shaylynn Cain, Ari Cain, Ellie Cain, James Harris and John Harris. And great- great grandson Ryker Dixon.
We will cherish our happy memories of you Dad, Zeke, Grampa, Great grampa, great-great grampa. And as you would say, "Thanks so very much, my love to you all." We love you too. Services pending.
