John William "Red" McKemey

John William "Red" McKemey departed this life and entered heaven surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Crystal Coast Hospice House. He was 88 years old.

Red was born on November 13, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA, to William and Amelia McKemey. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Delta Gurganus McKemey, and his younger brother, Thomas McKemey. He is survived by three siblings: Robert McKemey, Kathryn Templeton, and Donald McKemey (Josephine); three children: William McKemey, Joseph McKemey, and Carol Oakley (Dolan); four grandchildren: Julia Phillips (Scott), Taylor Nealey (Ryan), Elizabeth McKemey, and Maxwell McKemey; and three great-grandchildren: Marlei Phillips, Cooper Phillips, and Delaney Nealey.

Red was a pillar of his community and was dedicated to his church (Verona Methodist Church), Scouting, and the firefighting service. He was a firefighter for 26 years with the Camp Lejeune Fire Department where he retired as Deputy Chief. On his days off, he enjoyed the profession of farming by maintaining a family farm. After retiring from the fire department, Red served as a Fire Science instructor. He continued the work of training firemen by serving as a Fire Service Training Coordinator in his region. In this role, he was instrumental in promoting state-wide initiatives for volunteer firemen.

Red provided over 65 years of continuous service to the Boy Scouts of America in East Carolina Council, BSA as Scoutmaster, District Commissioner, and multiple other leadership roles. He earned many awards over the years in Scouting to include the Silver Beaver Award. He loved his involvement in the Order of the Arrow, a service organization within the BSA, where he was Vigil Honor Member and Assistant Lodge Advisor. No one truly knows the reach of his influence through Scouting.

Red served honorably in the United States Marines Corps as an engineer. He also had a knack for building and creating, which utilized his skills as an electrician, plumber, woodworker, and welder. Red used these talents to bless many, many people in the community. He faithfully served in his church in multiple capacities including youth group leader, song leader, choir member, and other areas of service. He found immense joy in teaching children about Jesus through his weekly children's sermons. He was a man of God, a true servant, and demonstrated daily what it means to follow the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Red's truest heart and passion was for his family and friends. He modeled kindness, fairness, and faithfulness to his Christian values. He instilled the value of hard work, integrity, honor, and service to his children and grandchildren. His legacy continues in those that learned from him and followed his example.

Visitation will be held at Tar Landing Baptist Church, 3884 Richlands Hwy., Jacksonville, NC 28540, on December 11, 2025, at 9:30 AM. The funeral service will follow immediately at 11:30 AM. The graveside service will be held at Onslow Memorial Park, 3280 Richlands Hwy., Jacksonville, NC 28540, at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Red by donating to Crystal Coast Hospice House, PO Box 640, Newport, NC 28570, or to the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation, PO Box 144, Mocksville, NC 27028.