Kendall McRae Lemley

WILLIAMSBURG - Colonel (USA Retired) Kendall McRae Lemley, 64, died unexpectedly in Williamsburg, Va., Feb. 7, 2008. He had been a resident of Williamsburg since 2006.
He was the son of Colonel (USA Retired) Kenneth McRae Lemley and the late Sarah Lee Moore Lemley. He is also survived by his wife of 11 years, Margaret R. Lemley; two children from his previous marriage: son and daughter-in-law, Major and Mrs. Kendall McRae Lemley Jr. (USAF Reserve), and daughter, Virginia Caroline Lemley Nadal. Additional survivors include grandchildren, Rachel Kathleen and Ryan McRae Lemley; sister, Caroline Lemley Hedrick; and brother-in-law, Robert Ernest Hedrick.
Ken was born in Fort Sill, Okla., on March 28, 1943, but considered Hope, Ark., to be his home. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1965, and earned a Masters degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He was also a graduate of the National War College in Washington, D.C.
He served with distinction as an Armor Officer for 28 years, with assignments as a Platoon, Battalion, and Installation Commander. During his two tours of duty in Vietnam, he had the unusual distinction of serving both as a tank commander and UH-1 helicopter pilot. In May of 1967, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V device for valor in combat. He served as both a Professor of Geography at West Point, and Inspector General at Fort Knox. After his military retirement, Ken worked for Military Professional Resources Incorporated, spending an additional 10 years serving the country he loved as an instructor for the Army Force Management School at Fort Belvoir, Va.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at the First Presbyterian Church of Hope, Ark., followed by interment at the Rose Hill Cemetery of Hope.
Memorial gifts may be contributed to Hospice House, 4445 Powhatan Parkway Williamsburg, VA 23188.
Bucktrout of Williamsburg is in charge of arrangements.