John Thomas Kemp

McKENZIE, Tenn.  - John Thomas Kemp, 82, of the Henry County portion of McKenzie died Friday, June 7, 2024, at his residence.

John was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired from the Board of Public Utilities -Paris, Tenn., after working as a lineman for many years.

He married Barbara Ann Cravens on January 23, 1987, and she preceded him in death on November 29, 2009.

Born October 20, 1941, in Dresden, Tenn.  He was the son of the late James Shobe Kemp and Lillie Mae Chapman Kemp.

Survivors include a brother, Jerry C. (Shirley) Kemp of Paris; four stepdaughters, Verneda Hatcher of Jackson, Tenn., Lisa Barnhart of McKenzie, Jean Harris of McKenzie,  Jane Franklin of McKenzie, and a stepson, Kenneth (Shannon) Hatcher of Henderson, Nevada.

Along with his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Bonnette Wiles and Ramona Mae Washburn; a brother, Jimmy Fayne Kemp; and a stepson, Donald Hatcher.

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St./P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN 38242, will handle the arrangements. His body will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 12 p.m. at the Caledonia Missionary Baptist Church, 9405 Hwy 140, McKenzie, TN 38201.

Burial of his cremated remains will follow the service in the Caledonia Cemetery.

A time of gathering and fellowship will follow the burial at the Barn in McKenzie City Park, 570 Como St., McKenzie, TN 38201.