Billy Joe “BJ” Kennedy, 74, of Fort Smith passed away on Tuesday November 19, 2019 in Fort Smith. BJ was born June 17, 1945 in Van Buren to William D. and Mary (Poor) Kennedy Armstrong. He was the owner of various business’s in the area, was a U.S. Marine veteran of the Vietnam War where he was a helicopter pilot and was a member and secretary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 208 in Fort Smith. BJ was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife Van of the home; two daughters, Wanda L. Vaughn and her husband Lee and Sherry L. Kennedy both of Fort Smith; one son, John L. Kennedy and his wife Ashley of Fort Smith; three sisters, Marie Kennedy Alyesworth, Linda Armstrong and Annette Polk; four brothers, Vernon Kennedy of Greenwood, Jerry Don Armstrong of Summerfield, OK, Eugene Armstrong of Cameron, OK and Wayne Armstrong of Poteau, OK; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Graveside funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Monday November 25, 2019 at U.S. National Cemetery with full military honors under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith.
The pallbearers will be Keith and Jett Kennedy, Jake and Stone Vaughn.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 12912 Tuscany, Fort Smith, AR 72916.
The Family will visit with friends from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. Sunday at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.ockerputmanfuneralhome.com.