Thomas John Kempton

Thomas John Kempton, "Tippy", passed away on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. The world lost not only a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, but a man whose life was an extraordinary story of devotion, wisdom, and gentle strength. He was our Superman!

Tippy was born in 1937 in New York City to Arthur and Mae Kempton and was raised in Buckhead. He attended E. Rivers Elementary and North Fulton High School. At age 18, Tippy and Bonnie Brinkley eloped in Myrtle Beach SC, and kept their marriage a secret for 3 months until Bonnie's father, Paul, found out! True soulmate's for nearly 69 years!

Tippy graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Business and an MBA in Economics. He was a proud brother of Phi Delta Theta. Tippy joined the Air Force as an officer after college, and then began a distinguished 30-year career with IBM which took their family to Miami, Connecticut, New Jersey and back to Georgia. After retiring from IBM, he then joined Network General for 5 years.

Tippy was an active and faithful member of the Atlanta Country Club. He was an avid golfer and loved gathering with his friends for dinner at ACC. Tippy played an instrumental part in writing a beautiful book about the 50-year history of the Atlanta Country Club. Tippy was a prominent member of the Buckhead Boys. He also was a dedicated volunteer for the Atlanta Golf Classic. Tippy loved the Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia football was his favorite. Red and Black was an essential part of Tippy's wardrobe.

Tippy is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Bonnie; daughter, Leigh Morrison (Tim); son, Thomas John Jr. (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Zach (Leigh Ann), Austin (Christi), Kasey (Mariana), Bonnie Beth and Mattie; great grandchildren, Blakely and Mia. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Mae Kempton and his brother Arthur Jr.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Tippy on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 from 3pm to 5pm at the Atlanta Country Club. Please wear Red and Black in honor of Tippy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Alzheimer's Association.