James Fred Kemp born on September 22nd 1924, to Emmanuel and Irene camp, Fred camp was a strong and intelligent child. he and his three brothers and two sisters learned at an early age to take on the responsibilities of helping his dad and mom manage a small farm in solitude community during the hard times of the great depression. But none of them complained and enjoyed living in rabbit town and going to church at solitude Baptist Church where Fred was saved and a faithful an active member until he died at the age of 95 on June 18th 2020. he and his brothers and sisters went to solitude school and on to Junior high at Brasher’s Chapel. When Fred’s brother Elmer married and not long afterward went into the army during world War II Fred had to quit school to run the family farm.it was a big sacrifice for young Fred because he did very well in school according to his teachers. He finished the 10th grade. Fred wanted to join the army and enter world War II but had to wait until May 1943 when his dad released him from his responsibilities on the farm. Many years later on November 8th 2001 in a full assembly at Albertville high school on veterans day, Fred received his high school diploma. the state of Alabama passed a law that allowed world War II veterans to count their time in service as the equivalent of the remainder of their high School. It was an exciting day for the camp family.
Fred served in the Africa European theater primarily in Italy, fighting Germans and Mussolini’s fascists all the way up the Italian boot from Naples to the outs near Brenner pass bordering Austria from December 1943 to May 8th 1945. During his time in the army Fred became a T/4 Sergeant and was on and off the line of fighting. He was also a mess sergeant and handled the feeding of the 313th combat engineers of the 88th infantry division. He and these engineers rebuilt bombed Bridges, roads, and airfields with amazing strength in record time so the infantry could keep moving, even in the mud, rain, band snow in northern Italy. The 88th one a great reputation for being a tough fighting unit, especially since it was considered the first all draftee division to enter combat in world War II.
Fred had many adventures while in the army but the one he talked about the most all his life was how he met the love of his life the beautiful, Italian teenager, Rossana Ferretti. Fred (just turned 21) and she made a striking couple. Even in wartime, the good Lord provided a way for them to see each other occasionally. Though there was a language barrier, it didn’t keep them from falling in love. As hostilities ended in Italy and occupation of prisoners became the 88ths next duty, Fred was transferred to Florence where he and Rossanna married on October 11th, 1945, one month before world War II ended in a few weeks before Rossanna turned 19. The couple resided in solitude community and later in Albertville. They raised a daughter Loretta, and son Tony. when their children married, both children had two children each. Kirk and Monica and later welcomed Joy; and Stacey and Brandon who have five grandchildren total. Mia lex and Noah; and Gage and Nova. after 72 years of marriage and a good life together Rossanna passed away. now three years later, they are reunited again in heaven. Thank you, Lord, for giving us such good parents and role models, a Christian home, and lots of love. We love you, Dad! Happy Father’s day in heaven.
The family and GR Productions are working on a documentary and a movie of mr. And mrs. Camps life.
Services for mr. Camp are as follows:
Services will be Saturday June 20th 2020 at 3 p.m. at solitude Baptist Church. mr. Camp will lie in state from 12:00 pm until 3:00 p.m. also at the church. mr. Camp will be entombed at Marshall memory gardens those that wish to do so may choose from the following in remembrance of Fred Camp: flowers, a donation to solitude Baptist Churches building fund, or a donation to the family to restore the military flags at Marshall memory gardens.
