Jimmy Ray, “Pops” Kemp, age 84, formerly of Lubbock, TX passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021. He was a graduate of Hale Center High School in 1956. He served his country from March 1957 to March 1960 as an active member of the United States Army stationed in Germany. Jimmy was an active member of Vandelia Church of Christ for many years and most recently attended Hillside Christian Church. At Vandelia, he volunteered and worked in the Family Promise program. He was fiercely passionate about his love for the Lord. He was hired on to the City of Lubbock Fire Department in September of 1962 and retired from the department in December of 1996, proudly serving the city for 34 years. Jimmy was on duty the night of May 11, 1970, when a deadly tornado moved through downtown Lubbock. He took cover under the ladder truck, holding on to the axle as the truck shifted about in the bay and the station collapsed around him. Jimmy’s talents were many, he was a fine carpenter, avid golfer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, church member, proud community member, and friend who loved to joke and play. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and grandchildren throughout Colorado. He took great pleasure in taking the grandkids on trips to the beach as well.He was preceded in death by his parents Jimmy Ray and Vivan Yuvonne Kemp, and two sisters, Jackie Gregory, and Ruth Ann Jones.He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Treva Lavoyne (Huckabee); sons, Michael (Mike) Ray Kemp and his wife Renee; Christopher (Chris) Shawn Kemp and his wife Kelli; Joseph (Joe) Wade Kemp; daughter, Soo Ryun and her husband, Jerry James; 5 grandsons, Luke Kemp, Colton Kemp, Zackary Morris, Jacob Kemp, and Chase Kemp; 3 granddaughters, Ashley Lynn and her husband Geoffrey Lynn, Lexi Brown and her husband Landry Brown, and Kaylee Kemp and 3 great-grandsons, Dawson Lynn, Rhett Kemp, and Parker Brown.A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Hillside Christian Church, 6202 Milwaukee Ave. with Geoffrey Lynn and Jack Gregory officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, September 24, 2021, at Hillside Christian Church.
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