Clifford Daniel “Danny” Kennedy III
Clifford Daniel “Danny” Kennedy III, 63, of Orange, Texas, passed away on March 29, 2025, at home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Jeff Bell. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn in West Orange.
Visitation will begin prior to the service at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on July 20, 1961, he was the son of Clifford Daniel Kennedy, Jr. and Jaqueline Kennedy (Vickrey). Danny had a long and dedicated career as a machinist, starting at Allied Signal and later to be named Honeywell. Danny was known for his strong love for family. He cherished his time with loved ones and took great pride in being a supportive figure in their lives. In his free time, Danny enjoyed a variety of hobbies that brought him joy. He loved hunting and going on motorcycle trips. Camping and fishing were also among his favorite activities, as he appreciated being outdoors. A devoted fan of NASCAR racing, Danny found thrill and excitement in the sport. Danny also had a passion for drag racing, owning his own dragster and competing in sand drags. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved schnauzers, affectionately referred to as his "little girls." Danny’s memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved him. His life was marked by his love for family, friends, and the activities that brought him joy.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Geraldine and Clifford Kennedy, John and Odessa Vickrey; daughter, Meritta Norwood; and uncle, John Vickrey.
He is survived by his wife, together for 18 years, Meritta Worthen Kennedy; parents, Clifford and Jackie Kennedy; son, Clifford Daniel Kennedy IV and Heather; daughter, Tasha Lynn Baumgartner and Tony; grandchildren, Haydin Kennedy, Jaxson Kennedy, Madison Dyson and Michael, Davin Cormier and Jaelyn, Aaron Norwood; great grandson, Wyatt Pickett; brother, Richard Kennedy and Dianne; sister, Debra Kennedy Jones and Brian; nephews, Stephen, Derek (Lauren), and Austin; niece, Brianne (Derek); extended family, Alexis Baumgartner, Hannah Baumgartner, Ashtyn Jenkins and Dalton, Matthew Broussard, Rivy Pickett, Matthew Pickett, June Teeler, Shannel Taylor and Jason; his “little girls” Misty and Mandie; numerous other loving family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Lester Golden, Michael Norwood, Tony Baumgartner, Rufus Flurry, Greg LeBlanc “Cropo”, and Haydin Kennedy. Honorary pallbearer are Jaxson Kennedy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/.
Danny's service will be livestream and will be on the Claybar website.