HATTIESBURG, Miss. (ABP) — Larry Kennedy, the president of William Carey University, died Sept. 21. He was 64.
The president of the Baptist-affiliated school since 1998, Kennedy died from complications with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. He had been diagnosed with the disease in June 2005.
Jim Futral, executive director of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, said in a statement the death combined the passing of a gifted preacher, outstanding leader and dear friend.
“His tenure as president of William Carey University is a remarkable story of accomplishments in the face of impossibilities,” he said. “Larry Kennedy lived as he died and died as he lived — with courage, dignity and an unwavering faith. Our love and prayers continue to be with his wife and children who have, with grace and strength, walked this journey with him.”
Before he went to work for William Carey in 1991, Kennedy was a pastor and served as a trustee of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board for eight years. He wrote two books, Down with Anxiety and God's Answers to Human Dilemmas.
Survivors include Kennedy's wife, Sarah Johnson Kennedy; two sons; a stepson; one grandson; and his parents.
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