William Christopher Kemp

William Christopher Kemp passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at his home in Kemp, Texas, on October 15, 2026. He was 53 years, one month, and eight days old. He fought glioblastoma brain cancer with courage for 19 months.

Chris was born in Denton, Texas, on September 7, 1973, to John and Mary Kemp, and was the 3rd child of 4 children. He spent his early childhood in Uvalde before the family moved to Valley View when he entered third grade. He remained there through high school, graduating from Valley View High School, where he played basketball and served as the football team’s trainer. Chris never did anything halfway—he was either all in or not at all. His work as a trainer earned him a scholarship to study physical therapy, but his true passion was law enforcement. He began his career as a security guard at Vista Ridge Mall, later became a jailer, and was accepted into the police academy. That path led to a 32-year career with the Lewisville Police Department, from which he retired earlier this year.

Chris met the love of his life, Jennifer, by chance at a dance hall in 1999—and he liked the way she danced. He knew he would marry her, but he had a three-year plan: they had to be together for three years first. They married on May 4, 2002, and began their life together. Chris raised Bailey, and they later welcomed two more children, Wade and Austin.

In August 2004, the family moved to KMJ Ranch, where their extended ranch family soon grew and settled together in the Mabank community. Chris loved the area and began volunteering with the Mabank Fire Department in 2007. As WigWag, the department’s fire-prevention clown, he visited schools to teach children about fire safety and what to do during a fire—work he deeply enjoyed.

He proudly embraced every role in his children’s lives—FFA dad, rodeo dad, and, when Bailey joined a sorority in college, sorority dad. A dedicated researcher, Chris always learned how best to support others and was quick to lend a hand whenever someone needed help.

He loved photography and developed a remarkable talent for capturing treasured moments in others’ lives. At football games, he photographed the action on the field. At rodeos, he caught the precise instant a calf was roped or dirt flew as a rider rounded a barrel. He had an exceptional eye for the perfect shot.

Chris loved the Lord and found comfort, along with his family, in knowing where he would spend eternity. Firm in his faith, he never hesitated to share the message of Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Kemp; his brother, Robbie Kemp, and Robbie’s wife, Heather; and his sister, D’Ann Eldridge.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jennifer Kemp; their children, Wade Kemp and fiancée Abigaile and son Trail, Austin Kemp, and Bailey Shamburger and her spouse, Keath and daughter Stevie Lynn aka: blue eyed baby girl; and Kyle and Cierra Kemp, Chris’s niece and nephew for whom Chris and Jennifer are guardians. He is also survived by his brother, John Kemp, and John’s spouse, Devra; many nieces and nephews; and his entire KMJ Ranch family.