SGM (Ret) Dennis Ray Kendal

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Dennis Ray Kendal, 68, passed away on February 9, 2021. Dennis was born June 10, 1952 in Alexandria, IN to the late Raymond Kendal and Betty Bullington Kendal.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Sandra Kendal Grant and Vicki Walters Blake. He is survived by his wife Kimberly Korgie of the home; his daughter Kimberly Kendal (Michael Andres) of MI; his stepdaughter Cassandra Hockman (Anurag Mantha) of VA; grandchildren, Corey Kendal, Kaytlyn Pryor, Cameron Pape, Colby Kendal all of MI; sisters, Connie Johnson of IN and Cathy Tiernan (Robert) of TN; and many nieces and nephews throughout our great country.

SGM Kendal joined the Army in 1970, enlisting in the Indiana National Guard as a wheeled vehicle mechanic.  In 1972, he transitioned to the Regular Army as an Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC. SGM Kendal served three years as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson, SC and three years in Panama with the 193rd Brigade as a Mechanized Mortar Platoon Sergeant.   Upon returning to the US, SGM Kendal was assigned as a Military Science Instructor at Central Michigan University.   His next duty assignment was Chief Instructor at the Divisions Schools Command at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii which included five courses: Air Assault, Ranger Indoctrination Program, Light Fighter, Rappel Master, and Land Navigation Courses.

Upon promotion to MSG, SGM Kendal served the Division Headquarters and HHC as 1SG and later at the Corps G3.   After promotion to Sergeant Major, Dennis served as the Battalion Sergeant Major and Chief MSIII Instructor at the University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia.  SGM Kendal retired with over 28 years of service in the Army.

In spring 2020, SGM Kendal was inducted into the Central Michigan University ROTC Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding service to CMU and the United States of America.

In retirement mode, Dennis strolled the wide sandy beaches of North Myrtle, enjoying sunshine (and moonshine) on the deck of his ocean front home.   Devoted husband, hero dad, and big brother, Dennis is loved today, tomorrow and beyond.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home. Full military honors will be accorded in Arlington National Cemetery on a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Disabled American Veterans.

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