Kennith Earl Eddy

Kennith Earl Eddy was born on August 11, 1943 to Cecil Ferris Eddy and Ellie Page Eddy in Orange, Texas; however, he got to Arkansas as quickly as possible!  He grew up in Stamps, Arkansas.  He was a loud and proud Arkansan and Razorback fan; a trait he passed on to his daughter, Tabitha.  Kennith was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman, welder, builder, handyman, carver, fixer-upper, the Fire Chief for the East Mountain VFD for many years, and an absolute animal lover (including snakes); but especially his two babies Sandy and Brutus (B Boy) – who he treated as humans!

Kennith joined the Navy at the age of 17.  If you spent any time with him, you heard plenty of Naval stories.  Kennith was a proud Seabee.  He served in the Vietnam War as a Navy Seabee, and he had many stories to share about this time.

Not only was Kennith a proud Navy Seabee, but he was a Christian.  Kennith gave his life to Christ on August 7, 1977 at East Mountain Baptist Church during a revival with Billy and Winky Foote.  He loved Jesus beyond measure.  He witnessed to everyone around him until he was no longer able to speak.  His “real ministry” began when he joined Calvary Baptist Church in Longview on October 24, 1999.  He served as a Sunday School teacher for the 5th & 6th grade boys for many years and an AWANA Director for the boys.  He loved serving the Lord, planting seeds, and leading children to Christ.  Kennith also served as security at Faith Explosion Kids Camp for many years.  I’m not sure he was so much security as he was a big ol’ teddy bear that gave great hugs to anyone that would allow it.

Kennith was the proud dad to Tabitha.  He was the perfect girl dad.  He followed Tabitha wherever she went:  dance recitals, twirling competitions, plays, football games (to watch the band)– where he filmed her every performance.  He never missed any of Tabitha’s events, well - except her third-grade play – and she never let him forget it!  He loved taking Tabitha and her friends skiing and tubing at the lake.  Every one of her friends loved Kennith Earl! He was tough – Tabitha likes to call him Sweet & Sour.  Whichever version you got, believe me – you got 100%.  Tabitha was Daddy’s Girl. 

Kennith passed away at his home and entered the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 with his daughter, Tabitha, holding his hand.  He spent seven days on Hospice care and was more than ready to go Home (his heavenly home).  The kindness shown to Kennith by Concho Hearts Hospice was one his family will never forget.  Numerous friends came to visit him during his last days; he repeated over and over how appreciative he was for their visits.  He couldn’t believe so many people cared enough to come see him. 

Kennith leaves behind MANY friends.  Pete & Marilyn Hutton and Mike Pritchett were friends that went above and beyond for him, especially over the past two years.  There are too many friends to name, but he loved them all mightily.

Kennith was preceded in death by his dad Cecil, his mom Ellie, one sister, Betty, and his brother, Charles.  He leaves behind daughter, Tabitha Kay and husband Darin, grandsons Jackson and Logan, his dear friend (and ex-wife), Brenda, his sisters Patsy Rathburn and Nancy Ingram, numerous nieces and nephews and special family members Mark and Monica Sanders, Lauren Willis along with her husband Anthony and two sons Lain and Luke, and Matt Sanders along with his wife Brittni and two children Anna and Brantley all of Maud, Texas.

A memorial service, including Dr. Pepper floats, will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 in the Chapel at Woodland Hills Baptist Church, located at 2105 E Loop 281, Longview, Texas 75605.   Cremation, per his request, is being provided by East Texas Funeral Home.  Kennith’s beloved son-in-law, Darin, will be officiating the memorial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to Faith Explosion Kids Camp.  Checks may be mailed to East Texas Baptist Network, 4715 Tenneryville Road, Longview, Texas 75604.  Note:  FEKC - In Honor of Kennith Eddy.

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