William Arthur "BK" Kennedy, Jr.

“The best portion of a man’s life: his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” Wm Wordsworth

Lexington – William A. Kennedy Jr., affectionately known as BK or Papa, died on July 25, 2025, with his girls by his side.

Born on November 22, 1935, in Salisbury, NC, he was the son of the late William A. Kennedy Sr. and Marie L. Kennedy. Bill grew up in Greenville, SC and earned a bachelor's degree from Wofford College. He served nine years as an officer in the US Army Reserves and was discharged with the rank of Captain. Bill was a businessman his entire career, starting in the computer supply industry and then in the restaurant industry for over 30 years.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol Cole “Grammy” Kennedy and his son-in-law, Randall Robinson. Surviving are his children, Kathryn Robinson, Kristin Fields (Bert), and Kelly Moore (Keith); grandchildren, Lauren Lyons, Ashley Bishop (Trey), Chandler Frick, William Hunter Fields (Becca), Sarah Fields, and William Brayden Moore; great-grandchildren, William Marshall Fields and William Lee Bishop. Also surviving is his sister Judy Martin and family

Like his mother, Bill’s life was defined by countless acts of kindness done quietly, never seeking recognition, but simply to enhance the lives of others. He had a lifelong passion for football and basketball, cheering for his beloved Wofford Terriers, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, and the Carolina Panthers. Bill cherished fond memories of The Chopping Block and loved visiting with patrons at Fuddruckers. For years, he could be found running laps at the Irmo High School track. He especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren dance, perform in the band, and play in countless ball games. Above all, Bill adored his wife, Carol, and took great joy in spoiling his three daughters and his grandchildren. Bill spent his retirement years embracing friendship and laughter with those at the Village at Southlake and Lakeside Assisted Living.

Bill was deeply committed to community service, holding leadership roles in numerous organizations. He served as vice-chairman of the Lexington Medical Center Board of Trustees and received the Stilwell Award for his philanthropic work. He was past president of the St. Andrews Rotary Club and the St. Andrews Area Chamber of Commerce and served on several boards including the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was a founding member of both the Lexington Medical Center Foundation and the Saluda Shoals Foundation. Bill was also a longtime member of Union United Methodist Church and the Wofford College National Alumni Association.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in the Chapel of Temples-Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC, 29212 with Reverend Stephen Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saluda Shoals Foundation, 5605 Bush River Rd Columbia, SC 29212 or to Union United Methodist Church, 7582 Woodrow St, Irmo, SC 29063.