James L. Kemp, Sr.

James L. Kemp, Sr., age 80, of Mt. Pine, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

He was born on March 28, 1942, in Hot Springs, the son of Mearl C. and Pauline Kemp.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Cara Nina Kemp; his son, James L. Kemp, Jr.; his grandson, Timothy A Kemp, Jr.; and siblings, Carol R. Kemp, Thomas Kemp, Betty Sharp, and Joe Kemp.

James was a life-long carpenter and never fully retired.  He was a veteran of the United States Airforce, a member of Harvey’s Chapel Baptist Church for more that 70 years and a proud member of the Christian Motorcycle Association.  He loved spending time with his family.   

He is survived by his wife, Donna Poteet Kemp; son, Timothy A. Kemp, Sr. and wife, Carla Kemp; step-children, Michael and Connie Poteet and Lesley and Wes Hamilton; grandchildren, Kelli and Michael Calhoun, Karrie and Kyle Strickland, Crystal and Josh Fortner, Taylar and Killian Horne, Zachary and Jade Poteet, Katelynn and Calvin Hardage, Jacob Hamilton, Elle Hamilton; siblings, Allen and Linda Kemp, Dale and Rhonda Kemp; sisters-in-law, Mary Merrick Kemp and Candice Muston Kemp; many great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

A memorial service will be held at Harvey’s Chapel Baptist Church in Mt. Pine, at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 20, 2022.

A special thank you to Bro. Buddy Lemons, Bro. Wes Hamilton, Harvey’s Chapel Baptist Church, B. J. Songer, Smith Family Funeral Homes, the CMA and all of his many friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.