Obituary of Verne Ray Kennedy

Verne Kennedy, 83, of Gulf Breeze Florida passed away on February 28, 2025. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Martha Comeaux Kennedy; his daughter, Christie Tilley (Kevin); his son, Raymond Kennedy (Gina), grandchildren, Caroline Tilley, Chatham Hatcher (Shawn), Jackson Tilley, Sara Michael Kennedy, Maclain Kennedy, and Lauren Tilley; his siblings, Jack Kennedy (Gayle), and Evelyn Glass; his brother-in-law, Robert Comeaux (Billie); and 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon R. and Doris Fleming Kennedy.

Verne grew up in New Orleans, specifically in Jackson Barracks, the Louisiana National Guard headquarters. His maternal grandfather was Major General Raymond Fleming who was Adjutant General of Louisiana for 28 years and a major influence in Verne’s youth.

He graduated from Belhaven College and married Martha, better known as Martie, in 1963. He then completed his M.A. and Ph.D. at Louisiana State University. Verne went on to hold faculty positions at the University of South Alabama, the University of Georgia, and Louisiana College. He became president of Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi at age 36 and held that position for 8 years. He later served on the Board of Trustees for Belhaven University for many years and in 2018 Belhaven honored him by naming perhaps the most historically attractive area of the campus, the Verne Kennedy Plaza.

As a young college professor Verne started Market Research Insight as a moonlighting activity, later a full-service marketing and political research company. At age 44 he left higher education to devote himself full time to his research company which grew to be nationally recognized and did work in all 50 states. He moved the company to Pensacola, Florida in 1992. In 2022 Verne was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame.

As an active Christian, Verne served as Elder in several Presbyterian churches in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. He also joined Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church. While president of Belhaven he initiated a Christian World View which today is a hallmark of the university.

Verne encouraged a sense of adventure in his children by taking them snow skiing every winter and white water canoeing every summer. He had a passion for photography for most of his life with a special interest in wildlife. He also enjoyed reading, cycling, kayaking, and fishing.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers who cared for Verne like a family member and also to the team at People’s Hospice. Having all of you helped lighten this journey for us.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Belhaven College Fountain Plaza on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Vernon Roy and Doris Fleming scholarship at Belhaven University.