Eduardo “Kennedy” Hendricks was born in Bluefields Nicaragua November 6, 1937. He is the son of George Hendricks and Florence “Sis” Hodgson. He was their only child raised in a spiritual household of his grandparents, John and Magdalena Hodgson. He was surrounded by several aunts, especially Eileen and Lucille. It was his grandmother, Magdalena, who guided his spiritual growth as a child, and Kennedy remained proud of that strong spiritual foundation. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Wilson, became one of his earliest and most important mentor in his life. Along with reading and arithmetic, his great- randfather taught him life skills, survival skills, and how to be “tough and rough” yet be as a gentle giant.”
In 1946 Kennedy and his mother, brother, and stepfather moved to San Andres, Colombia. He received his primary and secondary education from the priest at the Catholic Mission on the tiny island of San Andres. He excelled in school especially in math. He claimed he won all the math contest and spelling “B” contest while in school. It was on San Andres Island, that he met and learned from Carlos Steele, a Handy-man at the Catholic Mission. Carlos Steele took over where his Great-grandfather had left off. Like his great-grandfather, Carlos Steele was the 2nd most influential person in his life. Both men prepared him for his future life as an adult. His uncle Gene Herring in Washington DC prepared him for his life in the United States.
At 17 years old, Kennedy returned to Bluefields seeking work and independence. He worked as a stevedore, a shipmate for numerous cargo ships, and in 1974 he joined Cunard Lines Ltd. as a certified seaman on their Adventurer Luxury liner in the Caribbean. Later he was transferred to the Countess, then to The Princes during the British Falkland War crisis. Cunard management recognized skills he possessed, and promoted him to officer status onboard the MS Princess which was based in Port of Los Angeles, California. He was the first Black Officer with Cunard Lines that held his rank and position. He was extremely proud of this distinction.
January 14, 1984, Kennedy met his wife, Joyce. Six months later in July, they married and began a beautiful life in Los Angeles, California. Their marriage was filled with travel, adventure, and love as they flew around the world, and cruised the Caribbean. He retired from Cunard November 1984 and started his own business, Kennedy Hendricks Painting. Over the years he expanded his business to include apartment management. During that time, he loved being an integral part of Nicaraguan International Softball Tournaments of which he held several Board positions. He loved baseball; he loved the Dodgers. He once said, when his wife said it’s her or baseball he laughed and replied…gosh, I’ll miss you.” He was a true Dodger fan - Brooklyn to LA.
1996, Kennedy and Joyce moved to Valrico Florida. He took a job with Ed Ducar Painting in Lakeland, and once again his skills were recognized and quickly was given a crew to paint Publix Markets from Lake Mary to Naples, Florida. During that time, he was personally selected to paint the intricate front exterior of the home of George W. Jenkins, founder of Publix Markets. – another distinction he carried with pride.
Kennedy was a devoted member of St James House of Prayer in Tampa, Florida. Those earlier skills were used at St James almost weekly. Additionally, he sang in the choir, served as an active member of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew, and volunteered for the first, of many, Mission Trips to the Dominion Republic. 2021 was a devastating year. His right leg was amputated, and he could no longer drive to Tampa…so he joined his wife at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church in Valrico Florida. There he faithfully participated in the Feeding Ministries, using his Spanish to connect and pray with Spanish speaking guest who needed prayer. He loved that ministry!
Kennedy leaves behind his wife Joyce of 42 years; his son Kennedy Hendricks, Jr. Nic., his daughter Meyda Carson of Houston TX, grandson, Johan Kennedy, Nic.; also his blended family - daughter April, granddaughter , Avrielle, grandson Randy. He leaves behind 5 brothers; - Arthur(deceased) Orlando, John, Alvin, and Elrey; 2 sisters, Loretta Brown of San Andres, Anita Brown of Florida. Additional he leaves several beloved nieces and nephews, as well as a host of cousins, and close friends, especially Winston Taylor of Washington DC, and Rene Brooks of New York. Kennedy will be missed. Eduardo “Kennedy” Hendricks was a good man. Amen!
Remember Me
Remember me with smiles and tears,
For all the joy, through all the years.
Recall a closeness that was ours,
A love as sweet as fragrant flowers.
Don’t dwell on thoughts that cause you pain,
We’ll see each other once again,
I am at peace…try to believe,
It was my time…I had to leave.
But ”what a view” I have from here,
I see your face, I feel you near,
I follow you throughout the day,
You’re not alone along the way.
And when God calls you…you will be,
Right by my side…right here with me,
Till then, I’ll wait by heaven’s door,
We’ll be united…evermore.
by 2002 Genie Graveline
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be sent to American Cancer Society or St. Jude's Children Research Hospital in honor of Eduardo Kennedy Hendricks.
Funeral Service
Friday, June 12th 2026
10:30a.m.
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church
604 Valrico Road
Valrico, Florida 33594
Interment – Bluefields, Nicaragua
Previous Events
Funeral Service
12
Jun
604 N Valrico Rd.
Valrico, FL 33594
