Background
III, William Jesse Kennedy, was born on October 24, 1922 in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Son of William Jesse, Junior and Margaret Lillian (Spaulding) K.
III, William Jesse Kennedy, was born on October 24, 1922 in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Son of William Jesse, Junior and Margaret Lillian (Spaulding) K.
Bachelor of Science, Virginia State College, 1942. Master of Business Administration, University Pennsylvania, 1946. Master of Business Administration, New York University, 1948.
Postgraduate, New York University, 1950. Doctor of Laws (honorary), North Carolina Center University, 1986.
Administrative assistant North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, Durham, 1950-1952, assistant to controller, 1952-1956, assistant vice president, 1956-1959, controller, 1959-1961, assistant secretary-contractor, 1961-1965, assistant finance vice president, controller, 1965-1966, finance vice president, board directors, 1966-1969, senior vice president, 1969-1972, president, 1972-1975, vice chairman board, president, chief executive officer, 1975-1979, chairman, president, chief executive officer, from 1979. Board directors University of North Carolina Ventures, Inc., Boston (chairman), Mechanics & Farmers Bank, Durham, Pfizer, Incorporated, New York York City, Jones Group, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina, Mobil Corporation, New York City, Quaker Oats Company, Chicago, Investors Title Company, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Board directors Durham Technology Community College Foundation, Inc.,, Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, North Carolina Citizens Association, John Avery Boy's Club, Durham. Past chairman Durham's War on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Southeast regional advisory council Boy Scouts American.
Chairman's advisory council United Student Aid Funds, Indianapolis, others. Board visitors North Carolina Center University. Trustee White Rock Baptist Church Lieutenant United States Army, 1943-1945.
Member North Carolina Society Finance Analyst (charter), The Conference Board (senior ), Omega Psi Phi (Beta Phi chapter).
Married Alice C. Copeland, January 29, 1949. 1 child, William Jesse IV.