Gary W. Kemp

OXFORD – On October 13, 2025, my precious husband, Gary W. Kemp, 73, was carried home on the wings of an angel to his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda F. (Butler) Kemp of Oxford; his daughter, Gail K. Giles of Oxford, five grandchildren, Brittany Jean, Jade Marie, and Sophia Rose, all of Oxford, and Jonathan Hicks and Jered Hicks, both of West Jefferson, NC; five great-grandchildren in West Jefferson, NC; his daughter-in-law, Tammy Testerman of North Carolina; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his aunt, Irene.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Dawn Marie Quinn; a son, John Angus Quinn; a brother, Richard Kemp; a granddaughter, Linda Mae Groccia; and this past August, his son-in-law, Mark D. Giles, who he loved like a son.

He was born in Webster, son of the late Donald A. and Martha C. (Lincoln) Kemp, and was a lifelong resident of Oxford.

Mr. Kemp began his career as a carpenter and operated Kemp Construction with his brother. Later he worked with Doug Bray for many years, and eventually retired as a custodian from Oxford Public Schools. He was a member of the 200 Sportsman’s Club for nearly 50 years, and was a member of Singletary Rod and Gun Club in his younger years. He was a member of St. Roch’s Church in Oxford.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a happy person who loved laughing, dancing, and singing. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at St. Roch’s Cemetery, Federal Hill Rd., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.