Sammy Branson Kennedy
Sammy Kennedy, 74, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2021. His graveside service at Moran Cemetery will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2021. The family will welcome friends for a visitation in the Chapel of Memories at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
Sammy Branson Kennedy was born in Levelland, Texas, on July 20, 1946, to Clayton Custer Kennedy and Helen Margaret Short Kennedy. Sam grew up in Portales, New Mexico, with brothers Jerry Tefertiller, Marshall Kennedy, and sister Kay Kennedy Dillard.
Sam was a Vietnam Vet and was very proud he served his country.
On September 21, 1968, Sam married the love of his life, Mary Reena Garlitz. They started their life together in Hereford, Texas. In 1971 they moved to Albany, Texas. Soon after, on August 6, 1971, they became the 3 Musketeers when they welcomed their daughter, Branson Reena (Brandi) Kennedy into this world!
Sam worked in the oilfield in Albany until an opportunity arose for him to get back to his calling: HORSES. In 1985 they moved to Moran, Texas, where they started the Rocking Chair K Ranch. The family broke, trained, and showed horses. In 1992 Sam and Missy moved back to Hereford, Texas, where he continued to work as a cowboy at the Bar G Feedyard. Sam retired in 2011, and he & Missy returned to “God’s Country” (Eolian, Texas).
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Custer Kennedy and Helen Short Kennedy Bow; brother, Jerry Tefertiller; wife, Verda Tefertiller; sister-in-law, Nina Kennedy; and brother-in-law, Charles Dillard.
He is survived by wife, Missy Kennedy, of Eolian, Texas; daughter, Brandi Kennedy of Clyde, Texas; his “special” nephew, Roy Henry Balliew, who was more of a son and brother to the 3 Musketeers; brother, Marshall Kennedy, of Denver, Colorado; sister, Kay Kennedy Dillard, of Portales, New Mexico; brother-in-law, Herman Garlitz, of Eolian, Texas; sister-in-law, Dee Balliew (Wayne), of Albany, Texas; along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
On February 15, 2021, the cowboy rode away. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.
