Houston “Dale” Kennedy was born on August 25th, 1955. He was a lifelong resident of Marietta, Mississippi. Dale dedicated his life to his family and helping others in our small community. He started as the Marietta Volunteer Fire Chief on January 15th, 1984. To better serve those who relied upon him in this post, he received his National Fire Academy certification in 1990. Dale was then elected to the Marietta Board of Alderman on July 6th, 1993. But Dale still felt he could give more, so he worked tirelessly to receive his Emergency Medical Technician certification in 1998. He then used these skills to help victims on the coast after Hurricane Georges in 1998 and again after Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the Prentiss County Fire Association and Rescue Squad. He also worked part-time for Rural Metro Ambulance Service for over 10 years. Dale helped countless people in and out of our community, whether it was mowing someone’s yard or fixing up their vehicle, people knew they could count on him in a time of need. He maintained his positions as the Marietta Volunteer Fire Chief (24 years) and on the Marietta Board of Alderman (15 years) until the time of his death on March 22nd, 2008. However, he still was not done being a giver. He donated his organs and 34 transplantable skin grafts to recipients in 11 different states, with ages ranging from 31 to 86 years of age. We are requesting that the portion of Highway 366 in the Marietta city limits may carry on his name. Not for his sake but for that of his family and friends. Because Dale did not spend his life helping others so hopefully one day he might have a sign, he did it because he loved this city. He loved this community. He loved these people just as he loved his family. This dedication would serve as a reminder of the man that dedicated his life to them.