Howard Eugene ''Gene'' Kemp, 82, of Monticello, passed away Wednesday, May 18, at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello. He was born June 3, 1939, to the late Edwin Kemp and Ruby Aldridge Kemp.
He was a retired Industrial Engineer, entrepreneur, and business owner, United States Air Force Veteran, and member of First Baptist Church of Monticello. Gene had many hobbies and interests including fishing, playing golf, dancing, reading, restoring antique cars, training squirrel dogs and hunting, studying the Bible and teaching Sunday School, restoring airplanes and piloting, cooking and grilling, and studying World War II. He was also a stock car racer in his younger years. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two daughters, Natalie Kemp Graves and Rebecca Socia.
Gene is survived by his wife, Linda Ann Kemp of Monticello; a son, Tommy Woods of Monticello; grandchildren, Matthew Dunn of Hampton, Haley Woods Chambliss of Star City, and Jordan Socia Nolan of Banks; two brothers, Paul Kemp (Judy) of Madison, Ind. and Tommy Kemp (Carolyn) of Hanover, Ind.; one sister, Marcia Cranfield of Kentucky; great-grandchildren, Trevor, Conner, London, John Haze, and Luke (on the way); numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and many brothers and sisters in Christ.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Monday, May 23, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Kelly Jones, Rev. Gary Carter, and Rev. Kenny Worbington officiating. There was a visitation from 6-8 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be in Campground Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to your favorite charity.
You can sign Gene's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
