Garland Kemp

Garland Allen Kemp, aged 81, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away on June 14, 2024. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee on October 1, 1942, to the late Larence Garland Kemp and Ruby Winfrey Kemp. 

A simple man is a person who is uncomplicated, plain, straight forward, and innocent. One who finds happiness in the smaller things in life like having chocolate ice cream or just a good conversation. One who is content in what he has. This is our dad, he was a man of integrity that appreciated the simpler things in life and taught each of his children to also work hard and appreciate the beautiful things in life. Things we often take for granted and learn to better appreciate as we age. Time together eating as a family, driving through the countryside, stopping for bread and bologna and an RC Cola, having picnics along that journey together as a family with lots of laughs and forever memories. Although his tastes weren’t extravagant, he seemed to find the beauty in his family, a well-manicured lawn, his roses, koi pond, coloring, a simple handcrafted piece of furniture, and nature itself. He loved the outdoors and all that it was. He loved being on the water, fishing local Tuesday night tournaments. He loved a good piece of lemon pie, music, and appreciated those who were keen on the fine arts. Although he did not outwardly say it, he was proud when anyone accomplished a feat, especially one of his children. His blue eyes would glisten with excitement. He did not force you to understand, he just “did things” until you too could see the simplistic beauty in things he did. He had his own way of loving you through acts of kindness and service or a piece of valuable common, everyday advice. He knew the true value of happiness didn’t lie in how much you left behind monetarily, but appreciative of what God has laid before us in the present. He taught each of us the simpler things in life and the most valuable gifts we could receive. He loved his wife more than anything; she was his world, and for all mentioned we each thank you. 

In addition to his parents, Garland is preceded in death by his sisters, Bettie Joanne Montoya, Brenda Lawless, Sandra Davis, and Debbie Brooks; and his son-in-law, Anthony “Tony” Askew. 

Garland is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Nancy Ann Harris Kemp; his children Cynthia Ann Isbell (Robert), Donna McCullough (Scotty), Phillip Kemp (Tracy), Sharon Kemp (Jan Hatmaker), Vicki Kemp Woelk (Jimmy Smyth), Tina Askew, Christopher Kemp (Carla). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tiffany Nolan, Ashley Price, Jeremie Perry, Michelle Paul, Jessica Kemp, Jacob Kemp, Zachary Lawrence, Taylor Woelk, Isaiah Askew, Nicholas Kemp, Jillian Paul; his twenty-one great grandchildren; and his five great, great grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Kemp will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center (353 East Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075) and on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center (353 East Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075). A funeral service for Garland will be held on June 18, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center (353 East Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075) with burial to follow.