Mr. Edward Kennedy, III

His Story: Edward Kennedy, III was born to the late Edward Kennedy, Jr. and Thomasene Kennedy on May 25, 1951 in Detroit, MI. Although he was the middle child of the three musketeers, his personality was that of a true leader of the pack. As a child, he was affectionately known as “Fuzzy,” a nickname given to him from his father due to being born with a head full of fuzzy hair. Well we all know now that changed drastically in later years. Edward graduated from Cooley High School in 1969 and completed college coursework at Dwyer School of Business. “Fuzzy” was a firm believer in God and was given his foundation in Christ at St. Peter A.M.E. Church. He worked for 37 years for the City of Detroit’s Parks and Recreation Department, although most days you would probably find him “skipping” work shooting dice or playing poker with his buddies. “Big Ed” became his newly acquired nickname outside of immediate family. Although rearing no children of his own, he was totally smitten over his three nieces that were the shine in his eye. The oldest, Ebony, was his rock and sidekick from beginning until the end. They talked almost every day about any and everything, and he spent quality time with her as she would dj at events or hanging out at her salon. Courtney, whom he called “Little Aaron” after her father, shared in his love for cards and gambling. She ultimately made him the proudest when she won her bracelet in the 2016 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, NV. Of course the baby, Tamara, or “Tipping Tam” as he called her, brightened his day especially after the birth of her children, Omarie and Kamaree. June 18, 1977 may as well have been considered a national holiday. He married his best friend and lifelong companion, Rosalind Marie. They enjoyed traveling, going to events, and he supported all of her work and devout dedication to Greater Quinn A.M.E. Church. When Ed wasn’t with Rosalind, he spent most of his time going to basketball and football games with his brother, as he was a true sports enthusiast. His sister Wanda always had to keep her guard up as the jokes would come from nowhere teasing her about her love of food. He was a major collector, with items ranging from coins to baseball cards, and even Rolex watches. Once that fuzz left his crown he had a hat for every day of the week. The pool room was his hangout spot for years, where he supplemented his income by taking a fish’s money in a game of pool or indulging in lucrative poker games that could last for days on end. Christmas music could loop all day during the holiday season as his love of this music was by far the greatest. Ed, “Big Ed”, or Uncle “Fuzzy” would want all to know that he lived a full life and it came with no regrets. He often found a joke to share or a nickname to give to those he saw the most. Never a smoker or a drinker, he found a second home at Motor City Casino. As some might laugh and say, “he knew the roaches in that place.” Although a few dollars may have floated over a few slot machines, he found his fame and fortune at the blackjack table. Pit 17 to be exact. A cup of Pepsi in one hand and an arm wrapped around in a pretty dealer with the other. His illnesses came slowly upon him in the past few years, including diabetes and kidney failure. However, his spirit and upbeat attitude kept him fighting for as long as he could. On December 10, 2018 he was home, listening to his Christmas music and decided to go in peace to the Lord.

Mr. Edward Kennedy, III

May 25, 1951 - December 10, 2018