Jerry Kennedy

Jerry Ralph Kennedy 73, of Zanesville passed away the morning of May 9, 2024, at Genesis Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born June 20, 1950, the son of the late Howard D. Kennedy and Evelyn L. Williams Kennedy of Zanesville.

Jerry was a natural born musician and singer always bringing his family and friends together. He was inducted into the Muskingum County Country Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Association. He was known for his band Country Special, formally known as the Jerry Kennedy Groundhogs. He was also a dedicated member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Zanesville where he loved to play his daily numbers.

Being strong willed and stubborn at times, Jerry also had an enormous heart and sense of humor that he gained through all his life experiences hunting, fishing, trapping, performing, brick laying, carpentry and Goodwill collecting. Fighting for what was right, Jerry gave all his heart and compassion to the families of Coal Run Road and Langan Lane. He accomplished his main goal by getting clean, running water into the homes of those loving families. In addition, Jerry loved to perform at benefits for any friend or family that was in need during their most difficult times.

Jerry is survived by his significant other Regina Mayle of 24 years. He left behind his children, forever proud and praising them as his greatest accomplishments: Shawn A. (Amy) Kennedy, Julia E. (Brian) Landkrohn, Rebecca M. (Brett Mayle) Kennedy, Jeremy Morgan, Keisha S. Kennedy, Jerett A. Kennedy and bonus daughter, Jessica Mirgon. His siblings Lonnie L. Kennedy and Mary L. Kennedy. Preceded in death by his siblings Marvin E. Kennedy, Robert “Bobby” E. Kennedy, Dennis D. (Martha) Kennedy, and Theodore “Teddy” E. Kennedy all of Zanesville.

He leaves behind many memories for years to come shared with grandchildren: Nichole (Josh), Jonathan, Anthony, Madison, Tristan (Kyra), Morgan, Keirstyn, Brady, Isla, and Lilly. His great grandchildren: Kaleesi, Winston, Jasper, Lila, Oaklynn, Raelynn, Logan and many more to come. His other loving family Michael Mayle and his children Caden and Kearra, Regina’s bonus daughter Louisa (Cissy) Tramill and her children, Trevon and Zach (Bubba).

And his lifelong friends Eddie Allender, and Richard Kennedy.

Jerry will be remembered for all the heart felt times he shared with his family and friends. He truly loved each of them and if you knew him, you knew it. He will be dearly missed by all.

You may call on the family Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Burrell Funeral Services in Zanesville, where words of comfort will be shared beginning at 6:30 p.m. An additional hour of visitation will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., with funeral service to follow at 12 p.m., at Mount Herman Church, 21772-21844 SR-550 in Amesville, Ohio 45711. Burial will take place at Mount Herman Cemetery, following services. Following the burial, a meal will be provided at the church and the family invites all to attend.

We are so glad that his music brought so many people together that made everyone happy. BURRELL FUNERAL SERVICES is serving the family.