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Robert Kemp Obituary
Dean married the love of his life, Cheryl McCurry Kemp, on March 2, 1985. He is survived by Cheryl and his two beloved sons, Reece Jordan Kemp and Tyler Bryce Kemp, all at home; parents, H.D. and Renate Kemp, of Roanoke, Va.; sister, Lisa Kemp Carter and husband, Greg Carter, and their children, Grace and Jackson, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; grandfather, Charles Mickey, of Roanoke, Va.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Dean had a passion for playing electric guitar, rock and roll music and sports, especially the New England Patriots, but the real focus of his life was his family. His happiest times were spent playing with his children and coaching their baseball, basketball and football teams. While ALS limited his physical abilities over the past three years, it did not dampen his dedication to his family or his enthusiasm while attending Reece and Tyler's sporting events. He inspired everyone he touched with his strength, courage, determination and grace during his battle with ALS.
The family wants to express its deepest gratitude and thanks to all of the many family and friends who have supported us during Dean's illness. Your meals, support, love and prayers have been such a blessing to our family and are so appreciated by us all. We especially want to thank CNA Julia Hanson and Dr. W. Craig Mitchell for their loving care and support.
Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mark Graham officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the ALS Association, DC/MD/VA Chapter, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, Md. 20855.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 16, 2011, at Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kemp
Henry Ayer
January 9, 2020
Think about you often my brother. YITB
Elaine Chocklett
January 25, 2011
Cheryl, Tyler and Reese I am so sorry to hear of Dean's passing. I am certain that Dean is now able to spread his wings and fly! I only knew Dean "way back" in school but always knew him as a very caring person with a heart of gold.
I know what it's like to lose a loved one and I'm sure that you would agree that the pain you experience now is only because the love was so deep and you wouldn't trade that kind of love for anything. May God bless your family and help you through this most difficult time.
There are many of us around who have kept you all in our prayers, even though you don't know us personally. May your family and friends be a comfort to you at this time and may the memories of your family and love together last a lifetime until we are all reunited again in God's kingdom.
In His name I pray for you all,
Elaine Montgomery Chocklett
Dave Christianson
January 24, 2011
My deepest sympathies & condolences to Dean's family! Frater Dean, it was a pleasure to have known you! You are a great man! My prayers are with you & your family!
Elon - TKE - Class of '81
January 20, 2011
Rene', with our deepest sympathy for your loss of your "beloved" son, Dean...we lost our "beloved" son 17 years ago in February, so we have "walked in your shoes"...remembered Dean had twins and you were so happy...know this is hard on Lisa, as it was on my daughter Kim to lose their only sibling...may you feel the presence of his spirit and time will not heal, but as this lady writes, "you will learn to move along with time"...Love, Fred and Debbie Dority...if you would ever like to talk to someone, please feel free to call Debbie at 770/424-3724.
Stacey Cotter
January 18, 2011
Cheryl, Tyler & Reece, I feel so blessed to have met you all and to have had few seconds of life with Dean. I will never forget our college visit to JMU - what fun ... hope we will be going up together on many occasions. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ken Klinger
January 18, 2011
H. D. and Renata...I am so sorry to learn of Dean's death. I sent a link to Jennifer and asked her to forward it to Pamela. Our time, as your next door neighbors was a time I recall very positive and warm. Please know that my prayers are with you and his family and hope you find peace.
Jay and Carlene Jackson
January 17, 2011
Cheryl, Tyler, Reece, H.D., Rene', Lisa, Greg, and all the rest of the family-- You are in our hearts and thoughts as you go through this most painful time. We send you our love. Jay and Carlene Jackson
January 17, 2011
Dear Cheryl, Reece, Tyler and Family. It was a pleasure to meet Dean's sister yesterday. I was so saddended to hear of Dean's battle and his passing. But oh how special it was to hear all those wonderful comments about his strength and intensity. That's how I remember him. I had the pleasure of working with him on 3 separate occassions at Atlantic Mutual. First in PHS, then in Glastonbury CT and finally in Affinity where he served as my supervisor. He was a great person and I will miss him terribly. I wish the family peace and if there is ever anything I can do please don't hesitate to call on me.
Patricia Glover
January 17, 2011
Cheryl, I had the opportunity to meet Dean when he worked at Markel Ins co., and i must say he was a wonderful person. I pray that God comforts you and your family during this difficult time. Be blessed
Donna Terrell
January 17, 2011
Cheryl, Tyler, and Reece,
My deepest sympathy. I worked with Dean in Group Marketing at Atlantic Mutual. We shared a birthday and from our conversations, believe we were "nursery mates" at the old Lewis Gale Hospital. We always got a big laugh out of that. I will remember him fondly and pray that God will comfort you and sustain you with your loving memories
Donna Terrell
Atlantic Mutual
Jennifer Sexton
January 16, 2011
Cheryl, Reece and Tyler,
We are filled with sorrow over the loss of your husband/father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this difficult time.
love,
The Sextons (Daryell, Jennifer and Ryan)
January 16, 2011
Cheryl, Reece & Tyler,
You have been in our thoughts often since we all left Lockport. We are so sad to hear of Dean's passing. Please know you are in our prayers.
Holly, Scott, Julia and Laura Wenger
January 16, 2011
Cheryl, Reese and Tyler,
It is with great thanksgiving to God that I reflect on the opportunity to meet Dean during the short period of your return to Roanoke. His life has left a lasting impact upon mine. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pastor Elijah Mwitanti
Terry Teramo TKE
January 16, 2011
So sorry for your loss. All good memories of Dean. Rest In Peace Brother..
Julie & Madison Salerno
January 16, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of loss.
Reece Kingery
January 16, 2011
Reece, Tyler and family,
I am sorry you have to go through this sad time. Just remember that you can see him again in Heaven. You both have been an inspiration to me by playing for your Dad to watch.He will always watch over you.Let me know if you guys need anything at all.I really mean it.
Linda Padgett
January 16, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I worked with Dean at Atlantic Mutual and he was always smiling. He will be deeply missed. With Deepest Sympathy!
Renee Todd
January 16, 2011
Very sorry to hear about Dean's passing. I have wonderful memories of him, and know that he is now watching over all of the family he so loved. My loving thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Byron Yost
January 16, 2011
Dear Renate and H.D.,
We are in Florida but I read of Dean's passing online. I know recent years have been diffucult for him and for you, and I want you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for God's peace to be with you and your family.
Mike "Radar" Robinson
January 16, 2011
Cheryl, Reece and Tyler:
Dean was a beloved member of Tau Kappa Epsilion in his college days and afterwards. Dean led by example, and was a worthy one to follow. He will be deeply missed. Our prayers are with the family.
Kristi Gerhart (Brenda Jamison's daughter)
January 16, 2011
I was saddened to learn of Dean's passing. I will keep the whole family in my thoughts and prayers during these sad times. You are blessed to have such a loving family and this will surely be a comfort to all of you in the days ahead.
Sandy Prokopchak
January 16, 2011
Cheryl, Reece, Tyler, H.D. & Rena,
We were so sorry to hear of Dean's passing and please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy, Dale, Sarah & Michael Prokopchak
January 16, 2011
H.D. & Renate,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your son Dean. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patsy & Curtis Coulson, Ft. Myers, Florida
January 15, 2011
I am very sad to hear of Dean's passing. My prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.
~Leigh Meland Szukelewicz, Poquoson, Virginia
January 15, 2011
Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your boys along with Dean's parents. Even though it's been many years since I've seen you two, I've been updated with your lives thru our great friend Joan. I know your hearts are hurting but the wonderful memories you have of your life with Dean will, in time, heal the pain. I know that God will continue to watch over & bless your entire family. With deepest sympathy, Lori (Sutphin) Cain, Raleigh, NC
Col.Jonathan/Debra Willard
January 15, 2011
Dean and Cheryl were both in attendance at our wedding 26 yrs ago and Dean was not only a fellow classmate of mine at Cave Spring , class of 79,but we also both graduated from Elon together and were pledge brothers in the same fraternity>TKE and he was also even my ex-room mate while at Elon.
Dean was also my best man at our wedding and more than anything else he was also one of the best friends I have ever known...
Dean was a very good athelete and I remember many days when we would play long hours of intense tennis sometimes more than 4 hour long matches and how competitive he was playing sports...we had many fun days playing tennis and doing other things...
Dean is and always will be a very special person and the world is a lesser place without Dean being with us...
I can only say one last thing and that is> Dean is no longer suffering anymore pain and he is now in Heaven with God and the angels and with our own son,(James Weseley Willard II who passed away Aug.14th,2005 at the age of 19 and also an Elon student)
May God Bless you Dean and may peace be with your family always....
YITB, Big Jon/Deb Sapsara Willard (Tampa ,FL.)
Cheryl> please let us know if there is anything we can ever do to help you and your two fine sons you and Dean have(Tyler and Reese), you can call anytime day or night....
Louise Dalton
January 15, 2011
H.D.and Renate, I am so sorry for your loss of Dean. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Louise
Kris Keeney
January 15, 2011
Guys: i am thinking of you, as i often do. I miss the boys badly. Hope to see you soon.
Tish, John, Alyssa and Daniel Hart
January 15, 2011
Cheryl, Reece, Tyler, Lisa, Rena and H.D., Our hearts and sympathy go out to you in the loss of Dean. Please know we are thinking of you.
Erin Bryant Rice
January 15, 2011
Cheryl, Reece and Tyler,
I am sorry about your loss. I hope that you find comfort in all the memories your shared together with Dean. His and your courage has truly inspired me and really shows that friends and family are God's blessing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tootie Hudgins
January 15, 2011
Cheryl, Reece and Tyler,
Christian and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. Your husband and Dad was first class and will be missed by many.
John Baxter
January 15, 2011
Fraternity Brother from Elon, Dean's kindness and professionalism will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him. My deepest sympathy to Dean's family during this time of sorrow. YITB Dean, John Baxter, Class of 1978
Tiffany Williams Miller
January 15, 2011
H.D. and Renate,
I am so sorry to hear of Dean's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 15, 2011
Cheryl, Reece, Tyler, H.D. & Renate,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Becky, Bobby, Brittany & Daniel Lindsey
Lori Coughlin
January 15, 2011
Cheryl, Reece & Tyler,
I am so sorry to hear of Dean's passing. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you.
Henry "Bubba" Ayer
January 15, 2011
I am sorry so very sorry to hear of Deans passing. He was a class and will always have a spot in all of our hearts. I pray to God to give the family the strength to endure this sad time in there lives but take cmofort in knowing that in our faith there are no final goodbyes.
Bob Boehling
January 15, 2011
I will always cherish all the times we had especially in the last six months. You had remarkable courage during the last 3 years. The amount of support from your family and friends speaks for itself. I will truly miss you. I am comforted that you are now resting peacefully. You and Cheryl did a remarkable job raising your sons. It has been an honor to have gotten to know your family. Rest in peace my friend.
January 15, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family . God Bless all of you. Love, Laurie, Danny, Gabrielle and Nick Frohock
robin mclelland nichols
January 15, 2011
I was very sad to learn of Dean's passing. I remember such fun times of us growing up at St. Marks Lutheran.
Karen Robertson
January 15, 2011
Cheryl, Reece and Tyler,
I am so sorry to hear of Dean's passing. I was so happy he was able to still support his boys as they continued their sports, I know how proud he was of them. Mom asked that I let you know how sorry she is for your loss. Take courage and comfort in the wonderful memories you created over the years. God bless you all.
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