After the Vietnam War, he testified to Congress about unfair treatment of enlisted men that he had seen in his time of being a Command Sergeant Major. In July of 1975 after thirty-five years of service, Kennedy retired as CSM of the 5th Army at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas. After his retirement, Kennedy returned home to Amory where he made good on his promise to pay back the three cents he owed Jack Reed Sr. He visited Reed’s in Tupelo to pay back the outstanding balance, and the two men just laughed about the situation. Later in his life, Kennedy established an annual veteran’s breakfast on Veterans Day with Community Bank.
In his lifetime, he was awarded five Army Commendations, four Legions of Merit, four Bronze Stars, and he was the first enlisted man inducted into the Hall of Fame at the US Army Aviation Museum at Ft. Rucker. He was commended in a 2017 Mississippi Legislative session by Representative Chris Brown, and a bill was presented that if passed would rename the Amory post office in his honor.
Besides his dedication to military service, he had three children: Michael, Donna, and Lawrence, who died in infancy; grandchildren; and great grandchildren. He credited marrying a good wife and having children to helping his readjust to life after war. Those who knew him said he loved his Corvette and conversating with people in Amory every chance he got. Those around town referred to him as "The Old Soldier" which brought a smile to his face every time he heard it. He died July 30th, 2017, at Oak Tree Manor in Amory, Mississippi, proceeding his wife, Myra Lee Kennedy, who worked to help military families as a liaison.