Josh Kendrick, Jr.

Obituary For Josh Kendrick, Jr.

Mr. Josh Kendrick, Jr., 85, passed on Saturday, October 18, 2025 in Tuskegee, AL.

Celebration of life will be held 2:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church, Hurtsboro, AL with Pastor Ira Kendrick, officiating. Interment will be held 10:00 a.m. EST, Monday, November 3, 2025 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, October 31, 2025 from 2 - 5 p.m. EST.

Master Sergeant (Ret.) Josh Kendrick, Jr. peacefully departed this life on October 18, 2025, at the Central Alabama VA Medical Center in Tuskegee, Alabama. Born on September 1, 1940, in Guerryton, Alabama, he was the eldest of eight children born to the late Josh and Eva Mae Kendrick. A proud native of Midway, Alabama, MSgt. Kendrick lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and excellence.

He was a 1959 graduate of Merritt High School in Midway, Alabama. Pursuing higher education with distinction, he earned an Associate Degree with honors from State Community College in East St. Louis, Illinois, in 1973, and later received a Bachelor of Arts degree from McKendree College in 1974, with dual majors in Psychology and Political Science. He furthered his studies through graduate coursework at Sangamon State University and completed numerous professional development programs through both the Veterans Administration and the United States Air Force Reserve.

MSgt. Kendrick began his distinguished military career in April 1962, when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He rose to the rank of Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge in 1967. A decade later, in 1977, he rejoined the Air Force Reserve at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where he faithfully served as a Medical Administrative Specialist and later as a Unit Career Advisor for the 52nd Medical Service Squadron. Throughout his service, he earned multiple commendations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices, and the National Defense Service Medal, among others. He was twice honored as the Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer for the 932nd Aeromedical Airlift Group—a testament to his leadership and devotion to duty.

Following his military service, MSgt. Kendrick continued his lifelong commitment to veterans through his career with the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he served as a Field Examiner and Benefits Counselor for the Northwest Indiana region for over two decades. His steadfast dedication to serving veterans and their families earned him the highest respect and gratitude of those whose lives he touched.

A man of deep faith and compassion, MSgt. Kendrick was a devoted member of The Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church of Indianapolis, Indiana, where he faithfully served on the Deacon board and male chorus. He was also active in numerous civic and community organizations, including the Elks Lodge, American Legion, Amvets of America, Air Force Sergeants Association, Kiwanis International, American Red Cross, National Urban League, NAACP, and several veterans' charitable organizations. His spirit of service extended well beyond the military, shaping communities and uplifting countless individuals throughout his life.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughters, Marian Davie of Midway, Alabama, and Tiffany Kendrick of East St. Louis, Illinois; four devoted brothers, Arthur (Ozella) Kendrick of Midway, Alabama; Clarence (Cora) Kendrick of Detroit, Michigan; Earnest (Carolyn) Kendrick of Atlanta, Georgia; and George Kendrick of Hurtsboro, Alabama; three beloved sisters, Pinkie (Sam) Wallace and Mary Ann (John) Broughton, both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Inell (Alfred) Garner of Antioch, Tennessee; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Joshlynn Wilson, and his loving parents, Josh and Eva Mae Kendrick.

MSgt. Kendrick's life was a living example of integrity, humility, and unwavering devotion—to his country, his community, and, above all, his family. His legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire generations to come. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

MILITARY SERVICE.
MSgt. Kendrick enlisted in the active duty Air Force in April 1962. He was promoted to Sgt. in 1966 and received an honorable discharge in January, 1967. MSgt. Kendrick joined the Air Force Reserve in May 1977, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He was assigned as a Medical Administrative Specialist and progressed to the Supervisory level. He cross trained into the Career Advisor specialty and was the Unit Career Advisor for the 52nd Medical Service Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He was also the Unit Representative on the 932nd Aeromedical Airlift Group Retention Council, the Airmen, NCO and Senior NCO Quarterly Board and a member of the Units promotion board.

MILITARY AWARDS AND DECORATIONS.
MSgt. Kendrick's awards and decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with two devices, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Armed Force Meritorious Service Ribbon, and the Small Arms Expert Rifle Ribbon. He was selected twice as the Unit Outstanding Senior NCO and selected as the Outstanding Senior NCO for the 932nd Aeromedical Airlift Group. He has received numerous letters and certificates of commendation for exceptional service from both the Air Force Reserve and community related activities.