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Max Henry Kennedy
December 24, 1941 - October 27, 2026
DENVER, N.C.—Max Henry Kennedy, age 84, of Denver, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Webb's Chapel Methodist Church, with Rev. Tim Killian officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Mr. Kennedy was born on December 24, 1941, in Iredell County to the late Henry Royal Kennedy and Hazel Daniels Kennedy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Padgett.
He was a 1960 graduate of Statesville Senior High School. He graduated from East Tennessee State University and later received a masters from Alabama A&M.
Max proudly served in the United States Army as a pilot during the Vietnam War. Later while serving in Korea, he earned a black belt in Taekwondo. He was also an Airborne Ranger and taught ROTC at Columbus College. After leaving the military, he became the proprietor of multiple Captain D's franchises in Georgia and Florida and later founded Kenco Transportation, located in Denver. Considered a cowboy born a century too late, Max was often celebrated by family for his robust, diverse, and often hilarious work history, including but not limited to, working as a car auction broker, owning and operating two seafood markets and a donut shop, and even a brief stint as a scout for the Denver Broncos.
Affectionately known as “GP” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Max was a cherished guest at weekly Sunday family dinners. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of patriotism, strength, and faith in God among those who loved him most.
He is survived by his wife, Judy McCoy Kennedy of Denver; daughter, Melissa Fowler (Greg) of Stanley; son, Scott Kennedy (Brent) of Denver, CO; two grandchildren, Allison Saunders (Matt) and Eian Fowler (Kelsey); and four great-grandchildren, McCoy Fowler, Sarah Kate Saunders, Walker Fowler, and Carson Saunders.
Memorial gifts may be made to Webb's Chapel Methodist Church, PO Box 116, Denver, NC 28037.
Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Kennedy family.
