Kelly Kemp

Kelly Kemp went to his heavenly reward on March 6, 2023.

Born on September 30, 1958 in Tripoli, Libya, Kelly is survived by his wife, Lee Ann, his sons, Jared (wife Danielle) and Kellen (wife Lela), his parents, Roy and Joyce, his sister, Karen, and his six grandchildren, Alyssa, Jacey, Haden, Rylan, Liam, and Keegan. Kelly also loved his bonus son, Elvis Pulaj, who came to Texas from Albania as a foreign exchange student in 1999 and became family.

Kelly married Lee Ann on March 8, 1981, and he graduated from Harding University the same year with a degree in business. He then led a successful career in credit and finance, beginning with Halliburton and retiring from the Export Import Bank of the United States. Most importantly,
Kelly loved and thrived in his work for the Lord's church teaching Bible classes for both children and adults, leading youth activities, and serving as an elder at the Northside Church of Christ. Having been born in Libya and being a registered member of the Chickasaw nation, he loved to
joke about being an African-born Native American. An avid runner and adventurer, Kelly completed many challenges, including finishing the Spartan Beast half-marathon obstacle course, hiking mountains in several states with his sons, and traveling throughout six of the seven continents. Wherever he was and whatever he did, all was done to the glory of God and the good of his family. He enjoyed his years of official retirement living on and running his late grandfather's ranch, working to strengthen the church, and hosting a yearly "camp" for his grandchildren complete with a large homemade treehouse and a hay bale jungle gym. He was known for his willingness to help, his tireless energy, and for mentoring those in need and leading his family. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and those he helped, who look forward to being with him again one day at Christ's side.

The family would like to thank everyone who has supported, prayed for, and assisted them during Kelly's battle with cancer these last four years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northside Church of Christ earmarked to the Preacher Training Fund. These funds are used to support students in preaching school, which was one of Kelly's favorite works of the church. Services will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Northside Church of Christ, Bonham, TX. Burial will be private and attended by family.