Richard Lee Kennard, 83, of Tavares, Florida passed away on August 17, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult battle with lung cancer.
Richard was born on March 8, 1940, to Opal Lee (Grant) and Charles Edward Kennard in Vanceburg, Kentucky.
After graduating from Lewis County High School, Richard served 3 years in the Army. He began working in the construction field in Ohio building bridges with his father-in-law, Arthur Morgan. In 1972, he moved with his family to Tavares, Florida and began working with Frank J. Rooney, which later became Centex Rooney Construction. As a construction superintendent he oversaw the construction of the Fashion Square Mall; Altamonte Mall; The State Building in Orlando; the first terminal at Orlando International Airport (OIA); Orange County Convention Civic Center and 33rd Street Jail in Orlando. He then went back to OIA and oversaw the building of 2 parking garages, the 2nd terminal, Delta Air side and the Hyatt Regency Hotel; Chatham County Correctional Jail in Georgia; UCF Student Housing; and the Federal Building in Asheville, North Carolina. He worked on many Disney projects as well as Give Kids the World. After 31 years, he retired from Centex Rooney Construction in 2004.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Opal and Charles Kennard, and his brothers Thomas and Ronald Kennard. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Kennard (Morgan); sons Duke (Andrea) Kennard and Matt (Debbie) Kennard; 5 grandchildren, Briana, Alex, Madison, Megan and Brandon; 3 great-grandchildren Gabriella, Alex, Jr., and Remington. He was affectionately known as Papaw and Poppa.
Richard was an avid Kentucky Wildcat fan. He proudly wore his Kentucky Wildcat hat which sparked many conversations from fellow Kentuckians. He was dearly loved by all who knew him and left an imprint on his family that will never be forgotten.
Services will be held at Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish located at 226 E. Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778, on Saturday, August 26, 2023. A viewing will take place from 11am-1pm with a service to follow at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Garrison First Baptist Church, Backpack Ministry, 6845 Kinny Road, Garrison, Kentucky 41141.
