Cecil Ray Kennedy

October 28, 1939 - March 4, 2021

Cecil Ray Kennedy, age 81, of Flagler and formerly Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics Emergency Room. Visitation for Cecil will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville, with Cecil’s family present. A memorial service for Cecil will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at the Winfield Funeral Home, with Pastor Brent Hanna to officiate. Burial with military honors will follow services at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville, Iowa. Cecil was born on October 28, 1939 in Knoxville, Iowa, the son of Marion Dwight and Flossie Fae (Faidley) Kennedy. Cecil was raised in Knoxville and was in the Knoxville High School, Class of 1958 and he also served in the National Guard for eight years. Cecil was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Sharon Kay Guthrie on August 23, 1958 in Knoxville, Iowa. They lived their married lifetime in Flagler, Iowa and were blessed with their daughter Cheryl Rae. Cecil would often quote about Cheryl, that “she was a chip off the old block”. Cecil was an outdoorsman; he enjoyed working on the farm, doing yard work, cutting trees, and mushroom hunting. Cecil loved tinkering in his garage rebuilding his classic 62 car and 67 truck; he also had a longtime passion for bowling, watching the game show Wheel of Fortune, and going gambling with Sharon. He was known to be a “social butterfly”, who with his heart of gold, would lovingly tease family and friends. His greatest pride and joy were his three grandsons: Jeremy Lee, Justin Ray, and Jared Michael. He loved hanging out with them, working on projects with them, and teaching his grandsons everything he knew. Cecil was a hard worker throughout his life. He worked as a body repairman for a total of more than 50 years. He worked with Whiteway Auto, Mathais, Breen, Bloodsworth, and Tom’s Collison. Cecil is survived by his wife of over 62 years Sharon (Guthrie) Kennedy; their daughter and son-in-law Cheryl (Terry) Taft; three grandsons, Jeremy (Janie) Taft, Justin Taft, and Jared Taft. All of Cecil’s family is of Knoxville, Iowa. Cecil is preceded in death by his parents Marion and Flossie Kennedy; stepfather Frederick “Hap” Sailors; and two brothers, Joe and Leo Kennedy. The Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville is assisting Cecil’s family with services.