‘Keen legal mind.’ York County’s top attorney for over a decade dies at age 63

Michael Kendree, the lead attorney who advised York County through more than a decade of its most pressing legal questions, has died. He was 63.

York County Council and county staff issued a joint statement Monday to announce Kendree’s passing. The County Attorney brought a “keen legal mind” and “tireless approach to serving York County,” it said.

The county did not provide additional details about Kendree’s death.

Kendree’s 35-year law career included more than 23 years as legal counsel for the county, including the past 15 years as County Attorney. In addition to lawsuits filed by or against the county, Kendree steered the county on legal issues from the rise of impact development fees to tax incentive agreements that brought large companies.

“Michael was a loyal and dedicated fixture within York County government, often working late nights and over weekends serving the county through periods of massive growth and change,” the county statement said.

Council plans to comment further on Kendree at its next meeting on April 6.

“Michael was an incredibly smart and versatile attorney, always conducting himself with professionalism and composure,” Council Chairwoman Christi Cox told The Herald. “A tireless and dedicated advocate for our county, his absence will be profound. We are heartbroken with his sudden loss and lift his family in prayers.”

The Philadelphia native and University of South Carolina graduate was a member of both the South Carolina and Pennsylvania Bar. He worked in Georgetown, Myrtle Beach and Columbia before coming to York County, including time working for the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

Kendree is survived by his wife and two sons, according to his obituary.

Reporter Andrew Dys contributed to this story.

This story was originally published March 23, 2026 at 11:38 AM.