Kenneth Douglas Hendley

Kenneth Douglas Hendley, 62, of Lakeland, passed away at his home on September 1, 2023.
Born on November 15, 1960, in Tampa, FL, he was the first child and only son born to Carroll Erwin and Helen Mae (Durham) Hendley, older brother to Kaye Dulinda (Dulie) Hendley and Coni Hendley Hebert, and uncle to Armand Joseph Hebert, Jr. Beloved by his coworkers, Kenneth was the Assistant manager of Bob's Barricades for 39 years and was considered the "best manager" they'd ever had. He had many friends from school, his childhood neighborhood, his home church, his life with his long-time companion Debbie Carver's family, and his work. A lifelong resident of the Tampa area and endlessly coached by his dad, he became a star pitcher in Little League baseball. He was often featured in the Tampa Tribune for his no-hitters, and making all-star teams. As a teenager, he & his friends were known for their wheelies & other stunts on their bikes, and restoring cars. At his Granny's house, he wrestled, hiked the "pit banks," and often got in trouble with his dozens of cousins. He was kind and helpful to all his parents' friends and neighbors and was a hilarious, faithful, and dearly loved son, brother, and uncle. He thoroughly enjoyed watching NHRA drag racing events, and sports, especially college football. Debbie's grandchildren saw Kenny as their grandfather and he loved them in return. He enjoyed attending their soccer games dressed all in purple to support their teams, going on annual beach vacations, cruises, and anywhere warm he could go with Debbie's family. Taking on the nickname "2K" among them, he loved their family gatherings, judging Debbie's sons "Rib Cookoffs," telling the most random, off-the-wall wildest stories with the straightest face making everyone laugh because for a moment he was so believable. Every Christmas, he would buy Debbie's grandkids the "ugliest" Christmas ornaments he could find just to see their reactions as they unwrapped them from the tissue paper. This became a yearly tradition and will live on for many years to come in his honor. He was such a selfless man who worked hard, long hours during the week, but always made time for a weekly Sunday lunch date with his best girl. The Carver family loved 2K more than he will ever know, and will cherish their memories made with him forever. Kenny was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Hendley, and his youngest sister, Kaye Dulinda (Dulie) Hendley, with whom he shared a special bond.
Kenneth is survived by his father, Carroll Hendley, his loving sister, Coni Hendley Hebert and her husband Armand, his nephew, Armand Hebert Jr. He is also survived by the Carver family, Debbie Carver, his beloved partner of 15 years, her daughter Shawn Roberts (Chad), her sons Michael Carver (Carrie), and Kenny Carver (Ashley), Debbie's 6 grandchildren and her 2 great-grandchildren. Kenny's father and sister loved and respected him, and will miss him every day of their lives. The Carver family's services will be held privately. The Hendley family's service will be held at Lake Aurora Christian Camp.
Online condolences can be made at www.lanier.care.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, 717 Griffin Road Lakeland, FL 33805, (863) 687-3996.

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