Willis "Gene" Kennedy

Willis “Gene” Kennedy, 81, previously of Lost Creek, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026 surrounded by his family, following an extended illness. Although the last few years were a physical struggle, he never complained and focused on the things in life that brought him joy…family, sports, puzzles, a good joke, and his faith. He loved Sunday family dinners, holidays, dominoes and other games, because at the heart of these activities was spending time with those he loved. His award-winning smile and twinkling blue eyes shined forth as he shared stories of the past or teased those in the present.

He was born on June 17, 1945, in Clarksburg, a son of the Steven “Gene” and Lola “Elaine” Sands Kennedy. He was preceded in death by one sister, Judith Hartzell in 2011.

Gene is survived by his daughters, Dr. Stephenie and Julie Kennedy-Rea of Mt. Clare and Kelly Rittenhouse and TJ Thompson of Lost Creek; grandchildren, Lara and Judd Johnson of Clarksburg, Josia “Mort” Kennedy Rea of Baltimore, MD, Jordan Kennedy Rea of Chicago, IL, and Harrison Rittenhouse of Lost Creek; and for the last five years, his great-granddaughter, Arsinoe Johnson, who brought him immense joy, laughter, love, and light. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Reinholt and her husband Don of South Bend, IN and niece, Jessica Knight of Cincinnati, OH and nephew, Michael Hartzell of Clarksburg.

Gene graduated from Lost Creek High School as the valedictorian in 1963 where he played basketball and was a member of Future Farmers of America. He was active in 4-H, showing cattle and representing the state at national events. Gene started his career at Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company before returning to work the family dairy farm in Rockford for more than twenty years. He finished his working life at Pre-Heat and Pittsburgh Tube before retiring in 2009 to care for his ailing mother. He spent his free time playing golf, throwing horseshoes, working jigsaw puzzles, watching sports, especially the WVU Mountaineers, and attending hundreds of performances and sporting events to watch his grandchildren. Gene was a lifelong member of the Lost Creek Seventh Day Baptist Church.

Gene will be remembered for his kindness, care of others, and commitment to the community. He lived a good life and was thankful for what he had. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of respect, hard work, and independence.

The family sends heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and staff of Family Medical Clinic of Jane Lew, WVU Home Health and Hospice, and his in-home caretakers.

In accordance with his wishes, Gene will be cremated.

Family and friends will gather at Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, where a memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm with Deacon Thom Trunzo presiding. Inurnment will follow in the Seventh Day Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the WVU Cancer Institute Department of Cancer Prevention and Control to support programmatic work and research that benefits West Virginians. Please make checks payable to the WVU Foundation and in the memo section write CPC and mail to PO Box 9300, Morgantown, WV 26506.