Basil Thompson Kennedy

Basil Thompson Kennedy, 77, of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, surrounded by his family, with the perfect view of his beloved Bay of Saint Louis. Basil was a member of St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church. His family has always known that he loved Jesus, his family, his friendships, his community, the water and the yacht club more than anything in this world…they also fully appreciate that after Jesus, the order is not important.

Basil was a 1969 graduate of the University of Mississippi with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. In 1972, he graduated from the LSUNO School of Banking with a Masters in Business Administration. Basil spent his entire professional career as a banker, retiring in 2015 from The People’s Bank. He utilized his engineering degree until his last days in his garage, on his boats, and just about anywhere else that needed a quick fix. Retirement brought a new found love of traveling with Weezie and friends.

Basil served his beloved Bay Waveland Yacht Club in many roles including Board Member, Treasurer and Commodore, later serving as Commodore of the Gulf Yachting Association, the Mississippi Coast Yachting Association and BWYC Commodores’ Society. Just this year, the GYA awarded him the Jack and Flo Scheib Award for his significant contributions to the sport of sailing.

Basil served his community as both Board Member and President of Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi, Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and Hancock County Christmas in April. He was a founding Board Member of the Hancock County Community Development Foundation and served as a Board Member of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. He was a proud member of the Greater Biloxi Economic Development Foundation and the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce. Basil proudly served the Hancock County Library Foundation as both a Board Member and Treasurer for many years.

Basil was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Ole Miss, serving as Treasurer and Pledge Trainer. In 1968, he was recognized by his brothers as Man of the Year. In 2010, the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce recognized Basil as Citizen of the Year. He was also previously recognized by Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi as Man of the Year. Basil was a member of several social clubs on the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans.

In 2013, Basil cofounded the Waveland Ground Zero Museum to preserve the history of both loss and recovery from Hurricane Katrina. He wanted every visitor to know the resiliency of man and love of his Hancock County. In 2021, he co-founded the BW Community Sailing Foundation and has since served as the Secretary/Treasurer. Making the sport he loved accessible to all was so important to him. Since inception, the Foundation has provided swimming lessons, defibrillators, sailing equipment, sailing lessons and life jackets for the community.

Of all of his many accomplishments, none were more important to him than his family. “Dad” and “Boppy” were his most treasured titles. Basil is survived by his devoted wife of almost 54 years, Marie "Weezie" Kuhner Kennedy; daughters Kay Kennedy Regimbal and her husband Martin of Columbus, Mississippi and Rebekah Legier Kennedy of Alexandria, Virginia; grandchildren Thompson Alexander Regimbal and Kennedy Elizabeth Regimbal, both of Columbus, Mississippi; brother Gerald Stephen Kennedy, III and his wife, Nancy; and so many treasured cousins, relatives and close friends. Basil spent many hours traveling to support his children and grandchildren. The only pastime that rivaled his time on the water was spent in gymnasium or stadium stands with a fresh bag of popcorn or peanuts cheering on his grandchildren; sitting in an Ole Miss bar in Washington, D.C., questioning the degrees of other patrons; or cruising with Weezie.

Basil was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Stephen Kennedy, Jr. and Rebekah Ann Brown Thompson Kennedy, as well as his cronies, Chuck Breath, Walter Chamberlain and Jack Blanke. There is no doubt the celebration of his arrival included calling of the dogs, a stiff drink, Lucky Strikes and endless laughter.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude for the comfort, care and compassion provided by Dr. Patrick McGrew, Dr. Victoria Sahar, Dr. Mary Margaret Achurch, Trina Mason and the entire SICU team at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans; to Missy Altese and her entire team at Vital Caring Hospice; and to Janice Labat and Crystal Labat.

As this is a celebration of a beautiful life, well lived, the family encourages you to wear your favorite colors, bright and bold included. Memorial Services on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 will be held at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay Saint Louis, beginning with visitation at 11:00 AM and Mass at noon. A private burial in Waveland Cemetery will be held at a later date. Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Waveland Ground Zero Museum or the BW Community Sailing Foundation (c/o Bay Waveland Yacht Club).