William “Lavon” Kemp departed this life into God’s presence on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the age of 85. Lavon was born on December 12, 1938 to Sidney and Bevie Kemp in Pine Louisiana. After graduating Pine High School in 1958, Lavon served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army. He had a successful career, retiring from Norfolk Southern Railways. He was an avid LSU fan, enjoyed farming, fishing, shrimping and spending time with his loving family.
In addition to his parents, Lavon is preceded in death by his brothers, Alvin and Lamar Kemp; two sisters, Louise Crain and Carolyn Knight; three nephews, Randall Kemp, Bruce Kemp, and Berry Knight; and his daughter in law, Kimberly Kemp.
Left to forever cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Betty Kemp; his daughter, Pamela (LD) Bounds; two sons, David (Gwen) Kemp and Danny (Connie) Kemp; grandchildren, Torie (Leslie) Brown, DJ (Christina) Kemp, Sara (Spencer) Bayhi, Alex Kemp and Ethan Bounds; and his great-grandchildren, Kaleb Brown, William Kemp, Ivy Kemp and Daniel Bayhi. Lavon also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.
Funeral Services, officiated by Bro. Dustin Hariel and Rev. Billy Galloway, will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM and Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 11:00 until the service begins. Burial will immediately follow at Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, assisted by Ethan Bounds, Alex Kemp, Grady Byrd, Keene Byrd, Regan Knight and Shannon Temples serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers are Bradford Kemp, Brent Kemp, James Slocum, Jeff Knight, Derek Knight, Phillip Kemp and Billy Gerald.
The family would like to especially thank Arden Hospice and Dr. Katie O’Neal Royals and her staff at Hattiesburg Clinic for the loving compassion they showed Lavon in his final moments.
