The indomitable spirit of David Lake Kendall made its final mounted ride heavenward in the early evening of Thursday, December 5th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. For those who knew him best it would be no surprise to say the Hounds of Heaven escorted him there.
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina to Henry David Kendall and Mary Didier Kendall, David’s interests and giftings would travel with him wherever he went. A graduate of Cornell University, he served in the Naval Air Forces from 1952 – 1955. When he met Margaret Shaughnessy from New York, his love of Opera and delectable dining came together in the person of Maggie Kendall as his wife. Their life together in Tennessee in the years that followed would find them both in their beloved equestrian sport of foxhunting; David on Buttercup or Molly, and Maggie on Emma.
David’s catering and specialty event services were successful in unprecedented ways in Nashville, becoming President of the first company to handle many Gubernatorial Innaugural Dinners as well as The Swan Ball. Soon after, Kendall became the 1st official caterer for the Country Music Association, the exclusive caterer for Johnny Cash plus, several other star artists. With this entre into the music scene, it was a natural for him to be among those who founded Fan Fare.
His ‘food service’ business sense extended into the private schools of Harpeth Hall, Montgomery Bell Academy and Ensworth. The State of Tennessee tapped Kendall to head the Tn State Parks’ Retail Operations. But of all these, David’s 40 year stint as the owner/operator of the Belle Meade Cafeteria may be the favorite of his followers. Here his magnanimous hospitality was best displayed and enjoyed by all…and even today, still missed.
A great lover of the land and legendary sportsman himself, David Kendall was known in foxhunting circles all over the country. Well into the final years of his life he regaled foxhunters of all ages with his colorful stories. Living in the midst of what became known as ‘Hunt Country’, David was a big supporter of both the Hillsboro Hounds and The Mells Foxhounds, serving as Master of Mells in its early formative years. At Opening Hunt, November 20th, 2021 David Kendall was bestowed the well-earned honor of Master Emeritus of The Mells Foxhounds.
David Kendall is survived by his three sons: David J Kendall & wife, Barbara; Henry A Kendall; Joseph Kendall & wife, Kaye; and grandson Jonathan Kendall.
Heritage Funeral Home of Columbia, Tn. is handling all services for the Kendall family. In lieu of flowers the family encourages contributions to the Equestrian Group, Foundation, or Rescue of your choice. The family is planning a gathering to celebrate the life of David Kendall at a time yet to be announced. Condolences may be sent to the family at the following address:
The family of David L. Kendall 2533 Otis Fowler Road Cornersville, TN 37047
The family thanks all those who have loved and been supportive in both the life, as well as, the death of David L. Kendall. Truly, a man greatly loved who will be deeply missed.
