John Kennedy

John Michael Kennedy, 91, of Umatilla, FL passed away on Friday, July 22, 2017. He was born on May 28, 1926 in Pittsburgh, PA to Joseph B. Kennedy and Mary Abrams Kennedy (deceased). His father was a member of the Coast Guard and the family moved around from port to port. His family moved from Alaska to St. Petersburg, FL in 1943 where John was a junior in high school. He was an avid sportsman who actively participated in football, and was a hurdles jumper on the track team at St. Pete High. The mascot was called the Green Devils and he and his classmates still refer to themselves as such. John was drafted into the United States Coast Guard at the age of 18 and served his country from 1944-1946. He was stationed onboard the USS Breckinridge. In 1948 John enrolled into the University of Florida’s Agricultural program and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1950. After graduation he returned to St. Pete and worked at a fertilizer company where he was fortunate enough to be introduced to Mr. John Nelson, an avid citrus grower in Lake County, Florida. In 1952, John was hired by Mr. Nelson and became the production manager for Golden Gem Growers. He continued his career in citrus until he retired in 1996. John was the past president of the Florida Citrus Production Managers Association, the past president of the Central Florida Production Managers Association, and the past president of the Citrus Section, Florida State Horticultural Society. He is survived by his wife of 53 years: Winifred (Winkie) Collier Kennedy; sons: John Michael Kennedy Jr, Robert J. Kennedy, and Donald R. Kennedy; daughters: Peggy Sue Osgood and Janie R. Rodgers; 10 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren; brother: William P. Kennedy; and sister: Marie Christner. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Joseph B. Kennedy, Jr. and Edward R. Kennedy. He was a wonderful father and mentor to his children and family. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017 at the Beyers Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Chris Haden officiating. In lieu of flowers, an endowment fund will be established in John M. Kennedy’s name. Contributions may be made to Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Advancement Office, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801-5698. Online condolences may be made at www.beyersfuneralhome.com. Beyers Funeral Home, Umatilla.