A highly respected teacher at Southern Middle School died suddenly Sunday.

Hoyt Harvey Kennedy, 47, of Robbins, collapsed while playing basketball with his family. He died at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst of an apparent heart attack.

Dr. Mike Metcalf, principal of Southern Middle, called Kennedy's death not just a loss for his school, but also for the entire area.

"He was a terrific guy," he said in a phone interview with The Pilot Tuesday. "He was very popular and respected by the students. It's a tremendous loss to the Southern Middle community."

Kennedy worked in exceptional education at Southern Middle, where he taught mathematics and provided assistance to at-risk children. Metcalf said Kennedy had a great sense of humor and teaching style that endeared him to Southern Middle students.

"He was just an excellent person," Metcalf said. "He was very loyal to his students."

Outside of school, Metcalf said that Kennedy demonstrated the utmost devotion to his family and his faith. He was an active member of Smyrna United Methodist Church in Robbins. He was a Sunday school teacher, member of the choir and a member of the administrative board. He also played in a Christian rock band.

"He was a really generous person who had his priorities set," Metcalf said.

Before coming to Southern Middle, Kennedy taught at Eastern Randolph High School for four years. He was formerly employed by the Moore County Department of Social Services.

A native of Ruther Glen, Va., he played football at Union Pines High School, where he earned a full scholarship to attend Catawba College. He was also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

A funeral service will be held today at Smyrna United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

A moment of silence was observed for Kennedy at Monday's Moore County Board of Education meeting.

"Sunday evening we had the unfortunate occurrence in Moore County of having one of our teachers pass away," board member Lorna Clack said. "I want you to think of his family as we have that moment of silence."

Contact John Krahnert III at 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com