"Good day Mrs. Kemp, Warmest regards from the Candlewood Suites in Paducah, KY. Your kind husband was a long time guest of ours and I hope you already know how much we admired him. I could spend much time sharing with you all of his kind words and deeds. What I really want you to know is how much all of us enjoyed his company, especially when he was beaming about how much he adored YOU. Bill often referred to you as his rock and savior. He would burst with pride when he would show us your picture and tell us stories of how you cared for him. We joked with him that he "married up" and he always got a big kick out of that. On one occasion, another guest overheard a conversation we were having and suggested that Bill must surely have a "trophy wife" . Bill laughed so hard, didn't miss a beat, and took the opportunity to say how blessed he was to be married to you! Thank you for sharing him with us for a while. Warmest Regards, Becky Straley and the Candlewood Team"
In loving memory of
William M. Kemp
April 7, 1942 - July 17, 2015
William M. Kemp, Jr., age 73, passed away suddenly in Powell, Tennessee on July 17, 2015. He served as a Boilerman for the United States Navy from 1959-1963. He was a successful and driven man who spent 33 years growing his field and sharing his expertise as a Quality Assurance Manager. His work ethic was unparalleled. Bill was a protective and loving husband and father who enjoyed CB radio, boating and fishing. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 31 years, Stacey "Annie" Unruh-Kemp; daughters, Jamie Bill Kemp, Debbie Jones, Shelly Kemp, and Tina Kemp; son, Edward Teodozow; grandchildren, Tristin Kemp, Dakota Kemp, Tracey Abbott, Shaun Kemp, Stephen Jones, and Thomas Kemp, ; great-grandchildren, Michael Behonar, Abigail Kemp, Julie Abbott, and Michael Abbott; sisters, Kay Parker, and Karyn Campanelli; and other extended family and his "work family". The family will celebrate his life at a later date. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Kemp family, and invites you to view and sign their guestbook below.
Tributes
"How could one sum up 31 years of our marriage in a few lines. I will simply say, I have loved you, stood by you, and honored the amazing man I saw you become. Hug our son, Joshua for me and tell him how much he is loved. Your song rings in my head, "wherever you go, whatever you do, I will be right here waiting for you. Whatever it takes or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you."
"I AM VERY GRATEFUL for having a gracious loving man in my life"
"Uncle Bill was my confidant, mentor and dearest friend. He taught me how to be a good father. He taught me to live with honor and integrity- the biker mentally and lifestyle. I love him, will always miss him and will see him soon."
"Bill always called me Little Sis. He had an amazing analytical mind and loved his Harley as a young man. He was a lot like his Dad; he would do anything for you. One of my treasured memories is when he would be on weekend leave from the Navy. I would make a pot of soup and we would talk most of the night. Later in life when we spoke he would often ask if the soup was on? It's always on for you Bill!"
"My Father, William McKendrie Kemp, passed on. And that moment deserves commemoration because he was a Great Man. He was the kind of man who would have given his life for a stranger. He'd be the one to patiently walk next to a balancing child to catch them when they fell. He was A Father who could never raise his hand to his daughter, no matter how she tried his patience (and oh did she try it:) A Father who was proud to be the shoulder his daughter cried so many tears as he consoled her in the disappointments and failures of life. He was my rock growing up, the lighthouse in the storm. He gave me the greatest gift any one person can give another; a sense of safety and security. So I have a duty to tell those around me, that may like me in the slightest, that whatever it is that they find appealing in my character was built from that man raising me-my dad. So please no condolences, or well wishes. Just join me in my Dad's way to Honor a Good Man passing, and with your chosen libation (water or wine) pour a little out in the dirt to where we all return inevitably; and take a moment of silence this weekend to remember the characters of good men past. To all the Good Men and Fathers. You deserve to be remembered, shared and loved. On the wings of Angels and Godspeed Dad. And Thank You."
"My condolences to the Family. Bill is a great person."
"Stacey and family, Today is July 31. I am just reading about Bill's passing. May you feel God's hand in love and support as you all heal. My deepest sympathies are with you Tami Nichols"
"Annie...I'm so sorry my friend. I love you. Janie"
"Dear Annie, As you know we are so sorry for your loss. Dad passing was a big loss to all. Dad was a very intelligent man, who loved his family dearly. I have all the memories we have spent with him, and they will be cherished. Annie you know we are here if you need to talk. We are keeping you and all of the family in our thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. Dad you will always be missed..........."
"We send our condolences to you Annie and the family and to Kay and Karyn and we are very sorry for your loss. May fond memories take precedence now and keep you all connected through the positive and joyous times you've spent together. Billy Kemp was my 1st. Cousin and when my parents would visit our Grandparents, Edna and Preston Kemp in Red Lion, Delaware, I remember Billy would often be there. Because he was a boy cousin and much older than me he would be up to typical boy stuff but he sure looked like he was having fun, shooting hoops in the basketball net and playing with the others and older cousins. It was always great family times at the Grandparents where the table was set to perfection and the food abundant. And for the grandchildren, the best was always deserts and ice-cream from the big hugh freezer in the cellar. I bet you're smiling with all your angel family just now Billy and remembering with pride how lucky you were to spend so much time with them and all that ice-cream! May you rest in Peace Cousin Billy!"
"Although I only knew Bill for a little over a year, I can say he was a very strong willed, professional person that had many words of wisdom. He was very well liked by everyone that knew him, and he was always willing to help out his fellow work family with guidance and knowledge he had gained from his many years of experience. He was more determined than most people and had a strong will to do the right thing. The world has lost a wonderful person, and my thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."
"Stacey, We continue to pray for you and the entire family as you process the loss of the love of your life, Bill. We love you and will continue to lift you up as you walk this part of life's journey. Most importantly, the Lord commands each of us to "Be still. And know that I am God." He has ordered our steps and directs our paths. Our prayer is for peace, assurance, and comfort as you allow others to stand in the gap for you as you grieve. You are loved! Hugs.....Kay, Mark and Emily Grace"
"Dear Mrs. Kemp I was so sorry to hear of Bill?s death, and I would like to extend my deepest condolences on behalf of the entire team here at the Olmsted Dam Project. Your husband was a respected and trusted employee of our project and he will be sadly missed by all of us who knew and worked with him. With Sadness George McMinn"
"I worked with Bill at Weston. It was great to get to know him. Our prayers are with you and family. May God Bless and keep the family as you celebrate his life."
"Bill and I shared many projects. He pushed his people hard, but not any more than he pushed himself. With Bill, there was only one way! Bill's way, which was always the right way. I'm going to miss him, as will everyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. God Bless."
"We are very sorry for your loss to you and your family . Maxine and I send our love to you and family .Bless you with strength for this difficult time and here is a long distance wishful hug . Ken & Maxine"
"I met and worked with Bill at Weston 4. He was a good man and left an impression with any he cme in contact with. My condolences to his family."
"Bill worked for me on many field assignments over the past 15 years and was one of the most energetic, dedicated and respected people I know. His vibrant personality, business knowledge, passion for quality and sense of humor was unsurpassed. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know him."
"Sometimes, it seems, God takes the best to soon. His plan doesn't include our under-standing. As long as we recognize - it's his plan - with his help - we can continue with our lives. It's a puzzle with a big piece missing. We just have to make the best life we can, with only half a heart. Your a good, strong, loving person. Your future will have a hole but it's still - your future. Live it with purpose. Your loving friend. Bill Haggerty"
"I worked with Bill at Weston 4 in Wausau, WI. It was my pleasure to have had the opportunity to know Bill and work with him. He will be missed. My condolences. Sincerely, Mark Brauch"
"Bill will be missed as both a friend and colleague. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Stacy and family. May God Bless, Mike Kelly"
"Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish the wonderful memories... Thanks for sharing your travels and adventures with us via Facebook postings! You've been a fun couple to follow. Now as you continue on he will be with you in spirit... Providing you peace, support and comfort from above."
"RIP, Bill. My condolences to the Kemp family."
"We are sorry for your loss prayers sent"
"Sending peace and love to your family, Stacey."
"I met Bill (Billy) one year ago next week. And boy let me tell you! I was instantly win over: his acceptance, his wisdom, his politeness, his charm, his love. We instantly bonded and I was blessed to have him offer to give me away at my wedding. Thank you Bill."
"Thoughts and prayers are with you Stacey, you now have an angel to keep you safe!"
"There are no words. Again, Melissa and I are so very sorry for your loss. Bill was a good man and I will never forget him or the times we had at the office."
"Stacey, My deepest condolences to You and to the Family. Bill and I worked together on several projects. Not only were we co-workers in the Quality Field, we both were military vets, and I considered Bill a close friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. RIP my friend. ???? Len"