Mr. Ronald “Ron” Lawrence Kemp, age 72, husband of Regina “Jeanie” Kemp, and a resident of Santa Fe, TN, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018, at his residence.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at 4PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Harold Golden officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force. A visitation will also be held on Wednesday from 3-4PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Born on March 5, 1945, in Norris, Tennessee, Ron was the son of the late Homer Tippie Kemp and the late Mary Blanche Virgin Kemp. He was a retired veteran of the United States Air Force. His military awards included: Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Two Devices, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award with Four Devices, Air Force Training Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal Basic Award Plus Five Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
Ron was of the Presbyterian faith. He loved his country and was very dedicated to his service. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and enjoyed canoeing, gardening, hunting and fishing.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son: Jeff (Amanda) Kemp of Huntsville, AL; daughters: Tammy (Marty) Benefield of Franklin, TN and Wendy (Ty) Strickland of Athens, AL; stepchildren: Brian (Liz) Martin of Missouri and Jody (Joe) Martin-Gonzalez of Franklin, TN; the mother of his children: Martha Lucinda (Bobby) Tidwell of Bon Aqua, TN; grandchildren: Nadia, Nico, Noelle, Luci, Millie, Andrew, Sam, Jack, Jocelyn, Jaxsen, Alexzander; and his loving fur babies: Dixie and Sydney.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Homer “Jack” Tippie Kemp, Edward Virgin Kemp; and sister: Blanche Marie Golden.
