Clyde Thomas “Butch” Kennedy peacefully left this earth with Becky by his side on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at the Smith Phayer Hospice House in Landrum, S.C.

Butch was born in Syracuse, N.Y. to the late Claude and Victoria Kennedy. His family moved to Caroleen, N.C. and he was a graduate of Chase High School Class of 1964. After high school, he served in the North Carolina National Guard for 10 years.

Butch began his law enforcement career with the Forest City Police Department and worked for several years before joining the North Carolina Highway Patrol. He was sworn in to the NC Highway Patrol on August 24, 1970 and retired as a Master Trooper on June 30, 1997 after 30 years of credible service. His duty stations were Asheville and Tryon. He later served as the Police Chief for the Town of Columbus for four plus years.

Butch wore his patrol uniform with pride. He was the ultimate professional, “a trooper’s trooper,” “a straight arrow,” respected by all who had the privilege of knowing and or working with him. A devout Catholic, as a child he was an altar boy at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Forest City. He became a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in 1974 and he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Butch spent most of his retirement playing golf at the Tryon Country Club where he and Becky have been long standing members. Prior to October 2016, he had also been a member of the Dogfighters and TMGA. In addition to golf, he and Becky enjoyed riding the Harley on the backroads and on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Butch had a passion for restoring his 1950 Ford and was an active member of the Little Detroit Antique Car Club in Forest City. Butch’s family meant everything to him, he and Becky were devoted to each other and he was proud of his sons and loved them deeply.

In addition to his wife of 38 years, Becky Patton Kennedy, Butch is survived by two sons, Sean Kennedy and his wife Joyce of Winston-Salem, N.C. and David Kennedy and his wife Amy of Clemmons, N.C.; two step-granddaughters, Carla and Femke and a grandson, Mason Kennedy. Also surviving, are a brother, Ronnie Kennedy of Caroleen, N.C.; two sisters, Margo Parks of Bostic, N.C. and Cynthia McCraw (Steve) of Ellenboro, N.C., and many nieces and nephews.

A Liturgy of the Word for Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, N.C.

Entombment will follow at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery, 1743 Chase High Road, Forest City, N.C.

Visitation will be held at McFarland Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 6-7:30 p.m. followed by a Rosary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel and Crematory
Tryon, N.C.