Cortez “Kurt” Kennedy

Mr. Cortez "Kurt" Kennedy was born on August 23, 1968 in Osceola. Kurt gave his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of Wilson Chapel Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Waldo Campbell. He attended the Rivercrest School District, graduating from Rivercrest High School in 1986. He began his college career at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi, spending two years there before joining his beloved Miami Hurricanes. In 1990, Cortez was drafted in the first round, number 3 pick to the great Seattle Seahawks. "Tez", as he was affectionately called, played eleven seasons (all with the Seahawks) before taking an early retirement. Cortez, fulfilling a promise to his mother, completed his degree from the University of Miami in August of 2006. Although his professional career and college degree were great accomplishments, Cortez felt his greatest accomplishment was his daughter, Courtney Kennedy! Cortez left this life physically on May 23, 2017, but left a legacy that will live on forever.

Cortez is survived by his parents, Joe and Ruby Harris (Osceola, AR), and one daughter, Courtney Kennedy (Fayetteville, AR). To many of his family and friends, he is known as "KURT" or "TEZ”. He leaves to cherish his memory and continue to carry his legacy a host of family, friends, and colleagues

Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Pleasant Grove M.B. Church in Osceola with the funeral immediately following. Rev. Waldo Campbell and Rev. M.L. Smith will be officiating. The burial will be held at Whiteside Cemetery in Osceola. Services provided by Wilson Funeral Home of Osceola.