Kenneth Lee Holness, 92, of Seville, entered the sunset of life on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Majestic Oaks Skilled Nursing & Memory Care, Orange City.

In his early adulthood, Kenneth “Kenny” Holness migrated from his homeland of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, to the United States. He traveled throughout Florida with other migrant workers, living and working in migrant farming camps along the way. He eventually made his way to the Putnam and Volusia County areas, a region known for its fern industry and home to the “Fern Capital of the World,” where many residents also made their living working in the beautiful citrus groves. It was during this time that he met Irene Ford in Seville, Florida, and the two united in marriage. Together they became the parents of six children, in addition to the two children he already fathered back home in Jamaica. They remained married for 15 years before their union ended by divorce. Kenneth later met and married his loving, dedicated, prayer-warrior wife, Millicent Carter, and welcomed her son, Lindsay Carter, into his family. Kenneth and Millicent shared 36 years of marriage until Kenneth’s earthly transition.

Throughout his career, Kenneth worked many different jobs. He was a traveling men’s suit salesman and also worked at Union Pulpwood in Pierson, Florida, Richard Hagstrom Fernery, and Ken James Fernery. During apple-picking season, he would travel to upstate New York for work. But Kenneth’s true dream was to buy and farm his own property. He became an entrepreneur in the farming industry, owning a small business and selling produce. He later started a lawn care service and continued operating both businesses until his health began to fail him at the age of 90. His former father-in-law, Tycobb Ford Sr., used to say, “Kent is the hardest working man I know.” Those who knew Kenneth knew just how true those words were. But Kenneth also knew how to enjoy himself. In his free time, he enjoyed playing dominoes, dancing to reggae music, taking cruises and traveling.

Later in life, Kenneth joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church in his hometown of Seville, Florida. There, he served under the pastoral stewardship of Pastor James Vickers. Kenneth served as an usher and cared for the church lawn until his health no longer allowed him to do so.

Kenneth lived a full life rooted in hard work, family, friends and faith, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue through those who knew and loved him.

Kenneth was preceded in eternal rest by his parents, Arnold Holness and Kathleen Smith; son, Patrick Holness; sister, Hilda Wright. 

Kenneth leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 36 years, Millicent Holness of Ocala, Florida; his children, Carlene Thomas (Clyde) of Ellenville, New York, Carnetta “Ann” Holness of Powder Springs, Georgia, Alonza Holness, of Seville, Florida, Bridget Wilson of Deltona, Florida, Jasen Holness (Courtney) of Sicklerville, New Jersey, Greta Holness of Atlanta, Georgia, Lindsay Carter (Shernell) of Saint Cloud, Florida and Michael Holness of Jamaica; his sisters, Taitlyn “Lucille” Carter of Ontario, Canada, Brynhild “Pearl” Holness of Miramar, Florida, Valerie Johnson of Bronx, New York, Joan Holness-Thompson of Jamaica, and Sherron Holness-Meghoo of Jamaica; his brother, Michael Holness (Jennifer) of Cayman Islands; 22 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his special friends, Wayne Austin and Clifford Moody, along with a community of friends and associates throughout Volusia, Putnam and Marion counties.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Kenneth leaves a treasure of memories and a legacy through his beautiful and wonderful children, of whom he was so proud. He would often say, “My children never gave me any problems or got into any trouble.”

Rest in peace. Rest in love. Rest in our Heavenly Father’s arms.