Thomas Kennedy "Kenny" Clemons II of Lake Charles, LA, passed away on August 11, 2022, at age 65. He was born in Lake Charles, LA, to the late Rupert Florence Clemons (Richardson) and James A. Clemons, Jr. on November 11, 1956, and was the fifth of eight children.

Thomas was a 1974 graduate of W.O. Boston High School and earned both a Bachelor of Arts (Computer Science) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from McNeese State University. After receiving his MBA, Thomas moved to Baton Rouge, LA. While there, he served in multiple-high profile roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Insurance, and Centene Corporation.

In April 2018, Thomas realized his long-standing dream of opening a business in his beloved hometown: PrideStaff Lake Charles, alongside his sister Tanya Cheer Clemons. As owners of PrideStaff Lake Charles, a staffing agency, Thomas and Tanya highlighted the importance of small and mid-sized businesses within the Greater Lake Charles community and the Black community more specifically. For Thomas, PrideStaff Lake Charles was more than just a job; it was a dream come true—evident from the public recognition that PrideStaff Lake Charles has received since opening its doors. He was also recognized by his alma mater and received the prestigious community trailblazer award from the Black Alumni Association at McNeese State University in 2018.

While Thomas excelled professionally, anyone who knew him knew how much his family meant to him, which included not only his family but also close friends and his fellow brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He was also an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and often broadened his community to include fellow loyalists of "America's Team." Finally, in addition to Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc., Thomas was also an active member of the Chamber of Southwest Louisiana and the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance.

Thomas was formerly married to Jacqueline Ruth Shelton and is survived by his two children, Mégan Tania Clemons and Jared Kennedy Clemons, of Philadelphia. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rupert Florence Richardson, his sister, Marilyn Joy Clemons, his brother, Marlon Richardson Clemons; his brother-in-law, John D. Haley; and his son-in-law, Christopher Michael Foxall. He is survived by his father, James A. Clemons, Jr. (Patricia); sisters: Gaynell Veronica Clemons; Tanya Cheer Clemons, of Westport, CT; Jaquetta Bliss Clemons Davis, of Fort Worth; Nasha Pradia Smith (Travis) of Atlanta; Norell Alesse Clemons; and brothers: James A. Clemons, III of Stafford, TX; and Todd Samuels Clemons. In addition to the aforementioned, he is also survived by his two grandchildren, Kayson Michael Foxall and Kennedy Michelle Foxall. Last but certainly not least, Thomas is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Linda Lewis-Clemons, of Stafford, TX; and Stefanie Owens Clemons; two brothers-in-law: Michael Hopkins, of Westport, CT; and Gregory W. Davis, of Fort Worth; as well as a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, Thomas's family has asked for any donations in his name to be directed to McNeese State University Black Alumni Chapter mcneesealumni.com/BAC . Alternatively, donations can be directed to the Black Alumni Chapter in care of the McNeese Alumni Association P.O. Box 90775 Lake Charles, LA 70609.