EC North Carolina News

The University of Mount Olive (UMO) has received $21,000 from the estate of Carl Franklin Kennedy. Kennedy, a lifelong resident of Deep Run, NC, passed away on July 1, 2022, at Kitty Askins Hospice in Goldsboro. His posthumous contribution to UMO celebrates his legacy of quiet dedication and diverse interests, reflecting his commitment to his denomination and community.

Kennedy was born September 10, 1943, on the family farm in Lenoir County to Carl and Janie Barwick Kennedy. He graduated from Pink Hill High School and worked at Humphrey-Hardison Oil Company in Deep Run. His career path led him to serve four years in the United States Air Force before embarking on a 30-year tenure with the U.S. Postal Service in Kinston, NC, from which he eventually retired.

Kennedy was known for his remarkable memory of facts and figures and had an enduring love for baseball. He often attended games in Kinston and had an encyclopedic recall of major and local league baseball statistics.

In addition to his love for baseball, Kennedy was an avid movie enthusiast, particularly of old westerns, with “Gunsmoke” being a perennial favorite. His interests extended to collecting Civil War memorabilia, James Bond movies, and an extensive array of books on varied subjects.

A devout member of Deep Run Original Free Will Baptist Church, Kennedy demonstrated his faithfulness by routinely unlocking and locking the church buildings for services until 2019 when a broken ankle limited his mobility. His dedication to his church community was also evident in his attendance at Sunday morning worship services, Wednesday night prayer meetings, weekly Bible studies, and fellowship meals.

Kennedy’s cousin and caregiver, Saborah Hill Smith, a UMO alumnus said: “I’m very proud that Carl wanted to support our denominational programs.” Reflecting on Kennedy’s decision to support UMO and two other OFWB ministries through his estate she said: “The University of Mount Olive is a great school; in fact three generations of my family have attended the institution. I am glad he chose to support UMO through his estate gift.”

“The University of Mount Olive is deeply grateful for this gift which will be used to further our mission of providing quality education and fostering community values,” said Vice President of University Advancement Dr. Twyla Wells. “Kennedy’s contribution is a testament to his belief in the power of education and his lifelong commitment to supporting his community. This generous donation will help continue Kennedy’s legacy ensuring that his values and passions live on through the students and programs at the University of Mount Olive.”

To learn more about how you can make a bequest to University of Mount Olive contact Dr. Twyla Casey Wells vice president for University Advancement at twells@umo.edu or 919-658-7722.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The university was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information visit www.umo.edu.