Frank Terry Kemp

He attended Wake Forest University, where he graduated with his BA in History and Political Science in 1964. He later completed the Orientation to Deafness Program at the University of Tennessee in 1969 and received a masters degree in Educational Counseling from Appalachian State University in 1974.

Terry was a faithful member of Ridge Road Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC for over fifty years, and served as a Deacon, a Sunday School Teacher, and a choir member. He was also a member of the Lions' Club since 1978 and served as the President of the North Raleigh Lions' Club in 1986.

His devotion to his work in services for the deaf in the NC Department of Vocational of Rehabilitation garnered him many accolades throughout the years. In 1968 he earned the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Southwestern Area Counselor of the Year Award. The Lions Club honored him every year from 1974-1977 for Contributions to Hearing Conservation and Work with Deaf people. Other honors included the 1988 Roma Fortune Service Award for Outstanding Service to NCRID, the 1998 Southeast Regional Institute for the Deaf Award, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Department of Public Instruction in 2002.

Terry had many interests throughout his life, but was most passionate about tennis (playing and watching), sailing in his sailboat, singing in the church choir, and his love for everything Wake Forest. He was a devoted husband, brother, and father, and he loved his family fiercely. He will be dearly missed.

Terry was Preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Tee Kemp. He is survived by his loving wife, Levonda ‘Bonnie’ Kemp of Raleigh, NC; his brother, Tim Kemp of Zebulon, NC; his daughter, Amy Kemp of Raleigh, NC; his nephew, Eddie Kemp (Michelle) of Zebulon, NC; and cousins Jack Bryant (Annie Ruth) of Zebulon, NC; Mary Ann Hayes (Tommy) of Roseboro, NC; and JD Strickland of Zebulon, NC.

A funeral service was held April 19, 2023 at Ridge Road Baptist Church, 2011 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Burial followed in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, Zebulon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Terry's honor to Ridge Road Baptist Church music ministry.

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