William Kenneth Friend

Early on Monday, December 14, 2020, William Kenneth Friend passed away unexpectedly in the wee hours of the morning at his home on Wood Wharf Road, in Preston, Md.  William, or "Kenneth" as he was known as, was blessed to have been on this earth for 93 years.  Kenneth was born in Preston, Md. to his mother, Adele Grant.  Kenneth spent most his youth in Caroline County with his grandmother, Maggie Friend, and aunts Grace (Young), and Adele (Banks).  Kenneth was educated in the Caroline County school system, and enlisted in the US Army in 1946. Kenneth served during the WWII era in the Panama Canal.  Kenneth worked at Phillips Packing Company as a young man and had a long career of well over 20 years at Con Agra foods as driver for the "Chicken catching crew."

Kenneth married Bessie Friend (Adams) and took care of his family in the Preston area. Kenneth enjoyed farming, and had a host of animals and crops, at his home that he took care of himself for years.  Food was his one his favorite things that he enjoyed, he loved going to restaurants and a bushel of crabs was a delicacy to him, he could pick a crab in 30 seconds flat. Kenneth was also a faithful member of Mt. Calvary United Methodist church for over 20 years, and always made sure he was there to help with anything needed at any time.

Kenneth leaves to mourn his sister, Shirleen Charlotte Grant, daughter, Doreatha Friend (known as Carolyn), son, Kevin Friend (Dawn), nephew raised as a son, Willie Adams Sr., (Gina), daughter in law, Brenda Friend (Kenneth Friend, Jr.), a granddaughter raised as his own daughter, Michelle Friend, grandson, Michael Friend (Takeia) also raised like a son, granddaughters, Rebecca Friend, Kendra Stanford and Sherelle Chase, and Grandson Miguel Harding,

20 great grandchildren, 1 great great-grandson and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother, Adele Grant, wife Bessie Friend, brother, Donald Grant, aunts Edith Banks, Grace Young, Mageline Reid, son Kenneth D. Friend Jr., and grandson Jesse Stanford Jr.

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