Henry Olin Kemp

CSM Henry Olin Kemp, U. S. Army (Ret) passed away Sunday, December 26, 2010. Such a simple statement, but the enormity of the life that ended was anything but simple.

Our daddy was born in 1937 in Ariton, Alabama. He joined the US Army in 1956 and was stationed in Korea before being sent to Vietnam. He was with the 101st Airborne Division (Green Beret) out of Fort Bragg, NC, and did 3 tours of duty in Vietnam, 1966-67, 1968-69 and 1971-72. During his tours of duty, he worked with the 5th SFG and SOG and the 81st Airborne Ranger Group. During his distinguished career, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/10 Campaign Stars, RVN Campaign Medal w/60 Device, RVN Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, 6 Overseas Service Bars, Master Parachutist Badge, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal 1st OLC, Air Medal, Silver Star, Silver Star 1st OLC, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal 5th Award, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Service Medal, USA Recruiter’s Badge, Purple Heart 1st OLC and Bronze Star Medal 1st OLC. He retired in 1980 at the rank of Command Sergeant Major with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, KY. He was a member of VFW Post 658.

He is preceded in death by his father, E. J. Kemp; his mother, Annie Watson Kemp Coleman; his sister, Elizabeth Kemp Wallace and his brother, Wilbur Kemp.

He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 47 years, Kerstin Kemp; his son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Kerri Kemp; his daughter and son-in-law, Heidi Jo and Wesley Nobles; his grandchildren whom he adored, Isabella, Kadin, Henry and Shane; his niece, Evelyn Landers; his brothers, Sam Kemp and M. A. Kemp; his sister, Bridgette Coleman and several nieces and nephews.

Daddy was never a religious man, but he believed as long as he could face himself in the mirror and feel good about his actions each day, then he was living his life right. Our daddy was a very good man and I know we will all be together again someday. Until then, your loving family will hold you close to their hearts.

The family will meet friends from 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Pio Nono Avenue. Funeral services with full military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday in Georgia Veterans Memorial Gardens, Milledgeville.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Services, Pio Nono Avenue has charge of arrangements.