Jerry Clyde Kemp of Fleming Island, Florida, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many passed away on December 25, 2020 at Haven Hospice in Orange Park. He was born June 1, 1945 in Phillips, Texas to Julian Clyde Kemp and Ellen Lillian Huston Kemp. He graduated from Coushatta High School in Louisiana in 1963, where he played football and ran track. Jerry received his Bachelor of Science degree in agri-business from Northwestern State College in Natchitoches, Louisiana in 1968, where he was selected for Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities and was active in student government. He enlisted in the Navy in 1967 and reported to Pensacola, Florida for Officers Candidate School and Flight Training in 1968. He was a flight instructor, a maintenance officer and test pilot, serving in the Navy until 1973. Jerry was employed in veterinary pharmaceutical sales for 28 years, with Upjohn Company, Hoechst Roussel and retired from Novartis in 2001. He became a volunteer with Clay County Habitat for Humanity upon his retirement and had in excess of 6,000 recorded hours of work on home sites over the next 19 years, serving in various positions on the Board and as President of the Board. He was selected as Clay County Volunteer of the Year in 2012 for his work with Habitat. Jerry volunteered until his illness forced him to stop, because he believed that everyone deserved a safe place to call home. Jerry was honored as Public Citizen of the Year in 2018 by National Association of Social Workers, Florida Chapter. He was a member of the Duval Golf Association for many years.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents Julian Clyde Kemp and Ellen Huston Kemp, and his brother Jay Duane Kemp. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Wanda Willis Kemp. They enjoyed life and traveled to many fun places with Jerry doing all the planning. He is also survived by his son Richard Kemp and his wife Angela. Three wonderful grandchildren: Thya, Max and Amari were a huge part of his life and Gramps was the one who made all the plans for summer fun when they visited. He will be missed by other family members and his many friends and neighbors. He was always willing to stop and make time for others.
Due to COVID concerns, no service or visitation is planned. Memorialization will be by cremation. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Clay County Habitat for Humanity in his honor or to the charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com for the KEMP family.
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