Laingsburg
Tom was called to his heavenly home on April 28, 2014, at the age of 49. Tom was born November 22, 1964 to Edward Albert Kemp and the former Judy Ann Hoyt. Tom was preceded in death by his much beloved sister, Mary Elizabeth Kemp; paternal grandparents, Albert and Luella Kemp; and maternal grandparents, Edward and Sadie Hoyt.
Tom embraced a strong Christian faith that was sustained on a daily basis by his personal relationship with the Lord. Second only to his abiding love for the Lord was Tom’s deep love for his family. His commitment, loyalty, caring, and concern for us was evident in every possible way. Known for his broad, bright smile and generous spirit, he willingly gave his money and time to anyone in need. If ever Tom became aware of friends or relatives experiencing adversity in their lives, Tom could be counted upon to appear at their door with kind words of hope and an offer to take them to lunch or dinner. On many occasions, he was known to leave anonymous financial gifts in plastic Meijer shopping bags on the doorstep of those lacking sufficient funds to pay their rent or make their car payment.
Tom was a voracious reader and lover of all outdoor sporting and leisure activities. He and his father spent many days and nights at the Higgins Lake cottage laughing and simply enjoying their time together; whether it be sitting in a hunting blind, stoking the bonfires, eating at the cookouts, or fishing out on the lake. Tom was happiest being with his family, and we will miss him profoundly, as will all those he befriended along his earthly life sojourn. To Tom, no one was a stranger; he could always discover themes of mutual interest to engage others in friendly, spirited, and respectful conversation.
Surviving to cherish Tom’s memory are his father, Edward Albert Kemp; mother, Judy Ann Horstman; children, Jacklynn Elizabeth (Joseph) Billingsley and Jacob Bradley Kemp; brother, Joseph Eric Kemp; aunt, Jacklyn (Wayne) Jackson; uncle, William (Sally) Kemp; nieces, Erica Jo Kemp, Emily Nicole Kemp, Patricia Kemp, and Amy Kemp; nephews, Alexander Kemp, Bernard Joseph Kemp, and David Kemp; as well as his life-long and forever faithful friend, Raymond Orel, II.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Ball Dunn Chapel, 621 S. Jefferson, Mason, MI 48854. In keeping with Tom’s wishes, a funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Ball Dunn Chapel following the visitation and will be officiated by Evangelist Douglas Miller, life-long friend, relative, and spiritual counselor. In keeping with Tom’s benevolent spirit, donations may be made to any community mental health agency in lieu of flowers. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Ball Dunn Mason Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grbdmason.com
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