Dr. Leland R. Kennedy made his entrance into heaven on July 26th, in Katy, Texas. He was born on March 3, 1935, in Tyler, Texas to Hershel “Ray” Kennedy and Mary Elizabeth Johnson Kennedy. He was born again 5 years later when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He surrendered his life to preach as a teenager, preaching his first sermon at 14 years of age. That teenage commitment set in motion a ministry that continued for 72 years and touched the corners of the globe.

Leland was an athlete, known for his skills on the football field and basketball court. When his family moved for his father to pastor a church in Ohio, he stayed in Texas to finish out football season with his team in Lufkin. He later joined his family in Ohio and was known as “Tex” to his classmates. After completing high school, he accepted a scholarship at Baylor University in Waco, Texas to play basketball.

While at Baylor he felt the call of God on his life to transfer to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. It was there that he met Gloria “Joy” Walden. They were married August 19, 1955. Shortly after, they were in a bad automobile accident and moved to Dearborn, Michigan to recuperate. While there, the Kennedys were under Dr. G B Vick’s ministry at Temple Baptist Church in Detroit. They returned to Springfield to finish school and graduate from Baptist Bible College in May of 1957. Dr. Kennedy pastored in Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Delaware, and Texas.

While pastoring Trinity Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas he became president of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International (BBFI) and later president of Baptist Bible College (BBC), where he began his services in 1986. His beloved wife and partner in ministry, Joy, made her entrance into heaven on February 23, 1995. He married Nelda Blaylock on April 13, 1996. Together they served BBC until his retirement in May of 2002. Upon his “retirement” he worked with The Rawlings Foundation to further the cause of Christ in parts of Europe and Asia. His most recent trip to China was 18 months ago, and he was determined to go back. He was fervent about sharing the Gospel wherever he went, whether on a train in China, a park bench in London, or at a diner in the States. His desire was to share the Gospel with everyone he met so that they would experience the love, joy, hope, and salvation possible only through Jesus Christ.

His life verse is Psalm 71:17-18 “O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare your wondrous works. Now also, when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” That verse was a driving force behind his pursuit of the Lord and others.

Leland is preceded in death by his wife, Joy Walden Kennedy, parents; Ray & Mary Kennedy, in-laws; Jimmy & Bea Walden and brother; Don Kennedy.

He is survived by: his wife Nelda Kennedy of Katy, Texas; son Kevin and wife Pam of Abilene, Texas; daughter Darla Kennedy of Katy, TX and son Scott and wife Tiffany of Spring, Texas; Stepdaughter Terri Parrish and husband Kelvin of Granbury, Texas; stepson Bruce Blaylock of Ft Worth, Texas; Grandchildren: Chad Kennedy and wife Erin of Waco, Texas; Ryan Kennedy and wife Whitney of Kingwood, Texas; Alyssa Blackmon and husband CJ of Haines City, Florida; Chandler, Alexis and Anabelle Kennedy of Spring, Texas; Kelsey Parrish of Weatherford, Texas; Kirsten Parrish of Dallas, Texas; and 9 great grandchildren; his sister Freida Eargle of Irving, Texas; sisters-in-law Jeanie Poston of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Maudelle Kennedy of Nocona, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, August 5th at 10:00am at Greenlawn Cemetery N National in Springfield, Missouri. A memorial service is Saturday, August 7th at 10:00am at Trinity Baptist Church, 871 Woodlawn Dr. Abilene, Texas. The memorial service in Abilene will be live streamed at trinityabilene.com, You Tube or Facebook Trinity Baptist Church Abilene, TX

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made payable to Trinity Baptist Church (trinityabilene.com) for Dr. Kennedy’s ongoing ministry in Asia. He may be gone, but his work and the work of the Lord is not finished.