Dr. James Woodfin “Woody” Kennedy, 58, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, April 15, 2019 after suffering an illness since Christmas Day at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. He was surrounded by his wife and daughters at the time of his passing. Woody was born in Montgomery, Alabama on December 13, 1960 and grew up in Alexander City, Alabama. He attended Benjamin Russell High School and went on to graduate from Auburn University in 1983, where he earned a chemistry degree. He later graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical School in 1989. He went on to complete a general surgery internship at the University of Texas at Galveston from 1989-1990. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 1990-1994, followed by his plastic surgery residency at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 1994-1996. He completed his hand surgery and micro-surgery fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 1996-1997. Woody joined the medical staff for Plastic Surgery Group and The Hayes Hand Center at Erlanger Hospital in August 1997. He held dual appointments as Assistant Professor in the Departments of Plastic Surgery (2004-present) and Orthopedic Surgery (2007-present) for University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Medicine. He served in many capacities at Erlanger Hospital, including Vice Chief of Surgery (2001-2003), Chief of Surgery (2003-2005), Secretary to the Medical Staff (2006-2008), Vice Chief of Staff (2008-2010), Chief of Staff (2011-2013) and Immediate Past Chief of Staff (2014-2015).

Woody’s contagious spirit and larger-than-life personality made him a friend to all. He truly cared for his patients and wanted to help them to the best of his ability. His presence was commanding and his voice was always heard, whether you wanted to hear it or not. He always had stories to tell and loved sharing his words of wisdom with others. Woody had a curious soul and loved learning new things, always inventing, creating, and fixing. You could often find him in his favorite chair with his computer in hand, watching YouTube videos or doing other research. Even with his horrible dance moves, Woody was the life of the party and lived by the motto “work hard, play hard”. Whether it was an Auburn football game, a staff meeting at work, dinner with friends, or a gathering at the lake, Woody always had others laughing. He enjoyed the simple things in life, including listening to music and drinking a bourbon on the deck on Lake Martin, watching Auburn football, fixing cars (and anything else around the house), and spending time with his precious girls that he loved so dearly. He was an incredible father, husband, and an extremely talented surgeon and he will be deeply missed. 

Woody is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Carrie, his daughters, Mary Davis and Lydia, and his brother, Tom Kennedy (Paula), of Birmingham, Alabama, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. He is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Heflin Kennedy, Sr. A Celebration of Life Service has been arranged for Tuesday, April 23rd at 3:00pm at First Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Chattanooga (419 McCallie Avenue). The family will receive visitors at the church from 1-3pm prior to the service. We kindly ask that you wear orange and navy blue to the service. Getting Woody to put on a suit was a hassle and we can’t think of a better way to honor him then sporting his favorite colors.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made in Woody’s memory to Resident Education in the Department of Surgery (c/o UAB Gift Records, Administration Building 1230, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294), Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Auburn University (checks payable to FCA Auburn Chapter, P.O. Box 3525, Auburn, AL 36831), any animal shelter of your choosing, and First Centenary United Methodist Church.

Woody’s body was perfectly healed the moment he danced his way through heaven’s gates. We can see it now… upon arrival, he probably yelled “there’s a new sheriff in town!” and God looked over at him and said “We’re happy to have you here, but that’s not the way it works, big guy”. Not to mention, we just know the Auburn fight song was playing to welcome him home. So, grab a bourbon or a sweet tea and toast to Woody tonight. He lived life to the fullest and we hope you do to. Cheers to you, Woody, and War Eagle!