Edward Harvey Kemp Jr.

Edward Harvey Kemp, Jr., 92, of Jackson, MS, retired Field Agent for Grain Dealers Mutual Insurance Agency, passed away August 30, 2016, at Highland Home in Ridgeland, MS after a short illness. “Ed” was born September 13, 1923 in Acworth, GA. A descendant of the pioneer residents of Cobb County, he graduated from Acworth High School prior to attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. There, in his second year, he was named to the Georgia Junior College All-State Basketball team. He was also an accomplished baseball player in the Semi-pro leagues. Although offered a baseball scholarship to Georgia Tech, Ed instead chose to enter the U.S. Navy, becoming a Naval Aviator during World War II, with a commission as a Lieutenant. After leaving the service, he enrolled and graduated from the University of Georgia.

Upon moving to Jackson, MS, in 1950, he met and married Miriam “Sis” Roberts in June, 1953, together raising a family of three sons. They became members of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. He was a long-time coach in the Servian Club's Boys Baseball programs. He was also active in many local organizations including the Pioneer Insurance Club, the Dixie 1752 Club, the Louisiana 1752 Club, the Jackson Central Lions Club, and Blue Goose International, serving as officers in each. He was also a founding member and Secretary of the Kroger Coffee Club at I-55 North store, where he loved to tell stories and jokes, and fellowship with other members.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward H. Kemp, Sr., and Mary Orr Kemp, and brother William Abbott Kemp. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, “Sis”, three sons, Eddie Kemp of Pearl, MS, Clarke of Jackson, MS, and Neal (Laura) of Columbia, SC, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Alice Kemp of Decatur, GA, and Sarah (Ralph) Farrar of Marietta, GA, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Home, Ridgeland, MS, on Thursday, September 1, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00 P. M., with services on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. Graveside services will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Jackson, MS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS, or Mars Hill Presbyterian Church, Acworth, GA.