Gary David Kendall, Jr, also known as David, age 52, of Gainesville, GA passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018.
David was the son of Gary David Kendall, the late Carolyn Jean Kendall, and second mother, Janice Jenneane “Jan” Kendall. He is survived by one brother, Brian Alan (Brandilyn) Kendall, and three sisters, Lisa Carole (Jon) Hansen, Rebecca Marie (Michael) Johnson, and Lisa Jeanneane (Nora) Loveall. David had five nephews, Christian and Nicholas Kendall, Ian Hansen, and Archer and Fox Loveall; two nieces, Carolyn and Meghan Marsh; and two great nephews, Noah and Nolan Marsh. He was loved by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Virginia, New York, Texas, Georgia and Florida.
David was an avid swimmer and bowler, and displayed those skills in the Special Olympics by obtaining many trophies and medals. David was a big fan of Fonzie of Happy Days fame, The Hulk, and The Brady Bunch. He spent hours drawing pictures that resembled watercolors, some of which were sold in a display featured in the lobby of the Gwinnett County Administration Building. He was also highlighted several times in the Gwinnett Magazine when articles or stories featured available services for the disabled. David thoroughly enjoyed and fascinated his friends and family at how he could put together 300-piece jigsaw puzzles. David always, always believed in Santa Claus. He left cookies, milk and a detailed list of his requests, mostly, for whatever was the latest in technology dealing with audio or video regardless of whether he knew what the device provided. Santa frequently delivered a “David-safe” or appropriate similar device for which David would be just as happy and grateful. Kind, sweet David was such a gentle person who loved dogs. He walked the family dog every morning and evening over the lifetime of Jeffrey the Bassett Hound. It was calculated, once, that they had walked the equivalent distance from Atlanta to San Francisco over those many years.
David attended and worked at Creative Enterprises, Inc., in Lawrenceville, GA, since he left the Gwinnett County school system in 1986. Creative Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) has a mission to assist and aid those with disabilities and other barriers to reach their full potential and has been led by David’s mentor, Ms. Leigh McIntosh for over three decades. David’s family asks that donations be made to this nurturing non-profit organization in lieu of flowers.
A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 1:00 PM Monday, January 22, 2018 at Hillside Chapel Funeral Home in Gainesville, GA.
Rev. Liz Millar will officiate.
The family will visit with friends immediately following the service until 3 PM.
Online condolences may be made at www.hillsidechapelfuneralhome.com
Hillside Chapel Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1190 McEver Rd. Gainesville, GA is in charge of arrangements.