William Dyer Kennedy

William Dyer “Bill” Kennedy, 82, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Born Sept. 21, 1944, in Bartow County, Georgia, he was the son of Frank Warren Kennedy Sr. and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Kennedy. He graduated from Cass High School in 1962, attended Shorter College and later earned a master’s degree from West Georgia College.

Kennedy devoted his career to protecting Georgia’s natural resources as an aquatic biologist with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. He retired in 2002 after years of dedicated service.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Mook; his parents; and his grandparents, Dyer G. and Bessie Tinsley Kennedy and James D. and Ollie Strozier Pittard.

Survivors include his wife, Pearla Duncan Kennedy; daughter, Mary Beth Dukes; grandaughter, Rachel Elizabeth Foy and grandson, Ryan Foy; daughter, Karen Kennedy Woodman and her husband Jeff; grandchildren, Aubrey Woodman Riner and her husband, Tommie; grandson, Hampton Woodman; son-in-law, David Mooks; granddaughter, Lilia Mooks; granddaughters, Marlena and Ava Hagar; daughter, Alysa Wall and her husband Alessandro Fabbri; brother, Frank Warren Kennedy Jr.; sister, Mary Elizabeth Abernathy; many extended family members and friends.

He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his love of learning and his commitment to conservation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Citizens’ Climate Lobby at https://citizensclimatelobby.org/donate/ in his honor.