Edward B. Kenney

Edward B. Kenney, a longtime resident of the DC metro area, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026 at the age of 96.

He was born on December 1, 1929 in Augusta, Georgia to Robert and Elizabeth Kenney of Aiken, South Carolina. He graduated with honors from Aiken High School in 1946 and was the senior class president. He graduated with honors in 1950 from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina and was the recipient of the Gold P award.

He served in the US Army for five years and fought in the Korean War where he was wounded in action. He received several medals including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star for Valor and the Combat Infantry badge. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1955 and served in the Army Reserve for almost 30 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1955, Ed returned to Aiken and was the City Editor of the Aiken Standard and Review and a correspondent for the State and Charleston newspapers in South Carolina. Shortly thereafter, he met Erica “Ricky” and they were married in Aiken in 1958. In 1959, he was named Washington, DC Bureau Chief of the Sims News Bureau which served daily newspapers in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Ed and Ricky relocated to the Washington DC area in 1961. Ed worked as Executive Assistant to US Senator Strom Thurmond for ten years and then served on the US Senate Armed Services Committee staff for 13 years. After retiring from the US Senate, he was a consultant to defense contractors from 1984-1988.

Ed was an avid bird watcher which eventually led him to start his own business buying and selling Audubon prints and books. He was nationally recognized as an authority on John James Audubon and traveled within the US and to several countries on bird-watching adventures.

Ed had a passion for golf, travel, experiencing new adventures, and attending the theater, especially musicals. He held season tickets for the Washington Redskins for many years. Ed would never miss watching a game even if he was out of the country. He was featured on the front page of the Washington Post for finding a beach bar in Belize to watch his beloved Redskins play.

He was an incredibly supportive, generous, and fun dad whose love for his children was demonstrated in countless ways. He rarely missed one of his grandchildren’s sporting events or piano recitals. He left his family with so many treasured memories of times spent together.

Ed’s faith and relationship with the Lord was at the center of his life. He will be remembered by all as a charming Southern gentleman, who was quick with a joke, and always put others first.

Ed was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert Kenney. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Erica “Ricky” Kenney; four children – Susan Angeline (Steve), Bob Kenney (Mark), Alison Noll (Chris), and Beth Kenney. Also survived by seven grandchildren – Zack and Jake Angeline, Montana Ward (Tucker), John and Kayla Noll, Ben and Bryce Eldridge, and three great grand-daughters – Charlotte (Charlie) Ward, Addison (Addie) Miller and Daisy Ward (due on March 31).

A service celebrating Ed’s life will be held on Monday, April 13th at 2:00 p.m. at the Falls Church Anglican, 6565 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22042. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to Tunnel to Towers – t2t.

A burial service will be held at a later time at Arlington National Cemetery.