Danny Kennedy

Daniel “Danny” Calvin Kennedy, 66, of Thomasville passed away at his home Monday, August 11, 2025.

Born October 20, 1958 in High Point, Danny was the son of John Calvin Kennedy and Mary Smith Kennedy. He owned and operated Danny’s Landscaping & Grading for part of five decades. Known to many as “Flash,” he fulfilled a lifelong dream to follow in his father’s footsteps as a truck driver until an accident derailed his career.

Danny’s adaptability allowed him to pivot to the grading industry, where he took up another family trade and made lifelong friendships “playing in the dirt” for most of his adult life. The business became his work, his craft, his livelihood and the means by which he provided for his family beyond the time he left this earth. He and his wife, Cynthia Worley Kennedy of Thomasville, were married one month shy of 42 years. They had two children, Daniel Kennedy and Kelly Kennedy Velasquez, both of Thomasville, and his “second son” Jonathan Ellis.

Surviving Danny are also his son-in-law Nathanael “Natha” Velasquez of Thomasville, his grandchildren Leonidas “Leo” Velasquez and Nathalie Velasquez. His grandchildren rejuvenated Danny’s love for life after extensive battles had taken their toll on his physical health. He overcame the trucking accident, a stroke and a litany of other obstacles that did not prevent him from loving his immediate and extended family. This included his sister Anne Chaplin and husband Dale of Thomasville, brother Ken Kennedy and wife Laura of High Point, as well as his beloved nieces and nephews.

His adventures on the family farm he shared with his cousins included countless hours of entertainment involving motorcycles, dirt bikes and 4-wheelers, a love for which they all shared. Never too old to ride, Danny’s childlike spirit made him an oft-trusted friend to the young, but it was his spiritual maturity that made him a father figure to many in the community. His faith was the subject of conversation between Danny and the ones he loved, as he shared a steadfast belief in Jesus with anyone who would listen.

Ultimately, the lengthy stories of dangerous and exciting experiences and wonderment at the goodness of God found their end, but the details of those stories will never fade for anyone who knew him. Neither will the enduring resiliency he displayed in the face of tremendous trials he found in this life. He is now able to reap the rewards of his labor, celebrating with his mother, father, uncles Joe and Albert and the many friends who preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the J.C. Green and Sons Chapel in Thomasville with Rev. Josh Sands officiating. The family will greet friends from 1:30 to 2:30 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.