Robert A. Kennedy, 49, a son, brother, uncle, father and a beloved friend departed this life on "Labor Day" Monday, September 2, 2019 at his home. Although his death was unexpected, God determined that his work and labor on this earth was finished and prepared him for his heavenly transition home. Robert was born, on April 10, 1970, to Robert James and Quinine Kennedy in Denver, Colorado. Robert's parents returned to Mississippi shortly after his birth and since then he was a lifelong resident of Gulfport. As a child, Robert attended Gulfport City Schools.  Recently, Robert gave his life to Christ and officially joined Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church by Christian experience- the church he grew up in.

Robert was a man of many names: to his close friends "Big Rob", to his Aunts and Uncles "Robert Angus", to his siblings he was simply the brother we called "Robert", to his youngest niece Addyson "Uncle RaRa", to his Dad "Rob", but the name he loved the most was "Dad". At the age of 32, Robert welcomed his only child, a son, Robert Deshawn Kennedy now 16. Robert often said his son was the air he breathed and he wanted more for his son than he ever had for himself. In this life, Robert may not have accomplished all he ever wanted but one thing is for sure his greatest accomplishment was that of a devoted proud father. If you ever spoke with him, you would know right away just how proud he was of his son and how much he loved him.

Robert was a very sociable person, fun, loving and always kind. Robert never met a stranger; he loved people and people loved him. Through the years he worked at several coast casinos, "The Grand" and "Hard Rock|" just to name a few as well as the City of Gulfport. However, 5 years ago following an acute health condition Robert would be deemed medically disabled to work, he didn't let it stop him. He realized that this single event could have cost him his life. Therefore, he came back stronger than before, rehabilitated and refused to let any handicaps prevent him from living his life to the fullest without any regrets. In his free time, one could easily find Robert cooking, mastering the grill, scrapping metal as a hobby, and just hanging out with his family and friends especially his little cousin Chad. Robert had a strong love for football which started in his elementary years through high school where he was an outstanding player for the Gulfport High School Admirals. However his love for sports didn't end there. Prior to his son moving away last year, one would often find him spending time on the football field coaching  from the sidelines of his son's football games or cheering him on at a basketball game. Robert enjoyed watching sports, especially his favorite team the Pittsburgh Steelers. To date, although separated by distance, father and son would often share video clips of various plays and again "Coach Dad" would give his advice with hopes of making his son a better ballplayer; one thing is for sure distance could not hinder the love these two mutually shared.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Quinnie Simpson Kennedy, maternal grandmother Delaura Coleman and paternal grandmother Henrietta Kennedy. His maternal grandfather Willie Mack Simpson and step grandfather Henry Coleman and paternal grandfather Vegie Kennedy. One sister Sandra Gardner Beverly.

Robert will be deeply missed and leaves to cherish precious memories of him: father, Robert James Kennedy; one son, Robert "Deshawn" Kennedy (Portland, OR); one sister, Ebonie "Nicole" (Fred) Davenport (Gulfport, MS); two brothers, Wilbur (Joyce) Sims (Meridian, MS) and Derrick Kennedy (Gulfport, MS); a very special niece he adored Little Miss Addyson Davenport (Gulfport, MS) and god sister, Ny'Jae Porter (Pass Christian, MS) and a very special friend Yolanda Parker-Hand and her daughter De'Naija Hand (Gulfport, MS). Robert also shared a special relationship with his son's older siblings and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, loved ones and friends.

Robert was just an all-around fun-loving guy. Robert's family and friends will always remember his commitment to his family and those he loved, choosing to cherish how he lived rather the day he died. For we understand, to be absent from this old body is to be present with the Lord so despite we will rejoice and give God total praise.