Donald “Buckwheat” Ruffin Kennedy, age 81, of Rising Sun, MD, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. He was born in Calvert, MD on April 25, 1940 to the late Ruffin Levi Kennedy and Martha Elizabeth Kennedy (Lyons).

Buckwheat retired from Conowingo Power Company after working there for many years. He was a member with Sons of American Legion Post 194 for thirty-one years. Buckwheat was an outdoorsman, who loved shooting skeet, crabbing, and fishing. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. Buckwheat will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Buckwheat is survived by his three children: Donna Kennedy Wiggins (Chris), Charles Barry Kennedy (Linda), and Teresa Kerchevale (Earl); six grandchildren: Shannon Reed (Frank), Shawn Kennedy (Alicia), Amanda Roberts (Nick), Joshua Kennedy (Kathleen), Sarah Koposko (Nick), and Travis Kerchevale (Nikki); three great grandchildren: Sydney Strimel, Bentley Kennedy, and Raelynn Kennedy; three sisters: Ruth Burton, Doris Barker, and Faye Craig; and long time special friend, Fred Kilby.

In addition to his parents, Buckwheat is preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Kennedy; two brothers: Earl Lee Kennedy and Walter Kennedy; and two sisters: Norma Eller and Ruby Roop.

A celebration of Buckwheat’s life will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 111 South Queen Street, Rising Sun, MD 21911 where friends and family may begin visiting at 10:00 AM. Burial will be held at Rosebank Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “Alzheimer’s Association” and sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911. To send online condolences please visit, www.rtfoard.com.