Fred Kemp Obituary

Fred Kemp

October 22, 2025

JONESBOROUGH - With deep gratitude and sorrow, we honor the life of Fred Kemp, age 52, of Jonesborough, a devoted EMS professional who served our community with selflessness and compassion. Fred answered every call with courage and heart, always putting others before himself. Fred made the ultimate sacrifice on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, while doing what he loved the most, helping others.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lloyd and Veldena Aldridge and William and Thelma Kemp.

Survivors include his wife and rock, Lori Oaks Kemp, Jonesborough; four children that were the stars of his life, Steven Yokley and wife Jessie of Blackwater VA, Trevor Austyn Kemp and wife Sarah of Church Hill, Gabriel Kemp and Delani Kemp of the home; "Pop's" six adored grandbabies, Hosanna Yokley, Ezra Yokley, Gabriel Ray, Dellalynn Kemp, Makinzleigh Kemp and Learah Kemp, His steadfast Mother that loves him beyond measure, Mitzi Kemp of Greeneville, a special Uncle that was like a father to him Calvin Smith of Greeneville, and his fierce aunts and cousins that cared for him. He also had several siblings, nieces and nephews.

He was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he oversaw the security team. Fred was a child of the one true God and was firm in his faith.

Fred Kemp graduated from Greeneville High School. He was a lifeguard as a teenager, and his love for water was passed to each of his children. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and served in the United States Army as a Medic. He was patriotic to the core and proud of his family's heritage of veterans. In his younger years, worked part time as a reserve officer at Greeneville Police Department and Jonesborough Police Department. Mr. Kemp, or simply "Kemp" as many knew him, was a lifetime member of the Washington County Rescue Services. He started his career at Washington County Johnson City EMS in 1998 as one of the first full time Rescue Technicians and was an AEMT. He held a Paramedic license in North Carolina and had worked part-time at Avery County EMS. Kemp had also worked part-time for Wings Air Rescue as a dispatcher. He was Ski Patrol at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg TN and Beech Mountain Ski Resort in North Carolina. He even had the opportunity to help in training police officers in Belize on two occasions. He loved what he did, and he loved teaching others. He would do whatever it took to make sure his students in his classes understood the material and took a special interest in training new employees to ensure they had the skill set and knowledge needed for their job. Fred Kemp was an instructor for Rescue 3 International for Swiftwater and Rope Rescue, American Safety and Health Institute teaching CPR and first aid, National Ski Patrol and was also a handgun instructor. He was a passionate man with a seemingly hard exterior but was full of so much love for others. He showed compassion to his patients and always had their care and respect in mind. His caring for others went beyond the job. Those closest to him have stories of Kemp seeking out the homeless in his zone to offer them a meal or blanket, or just someone to talk to. He created a bond with several of his elderly patients over the years, checking on them when he wasn't called and even helping out with home projects to make their lives a little better. When he wasn't working, Fred planned every moment around his family and friends. In the winter you could find him snowboarding with his children and friends. He didn't call ski patrol "work"; he called it getting paid to have fun. When the snow melted, Fred could be found fishing, hiking, kayaking or shooting with his family and extended family. He loved being with people and entertaining friends in his home. Fred coached many years of his children's recreational soccer leagues and watched over all his players as if they were his own. He truly was our Hero.

Friends may come by Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home, 418 W. College St. Jonesborough, Tennessee, Thursday, October 30, 2025, and Friday, October 31, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM to pay their respects and sign the register.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Pastor Cody Greene, and Pastor Tull Oaks officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 PM Saturday prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Steven Yokley, Trevor Austyn Kemp, Gabriel Kemp, Jason Greenlee, Bob Watson, Stephen Turbyfield, Marty Britt, Tracy Hoffman, Jeff Weems, Jay Hobbs and Chris Lee.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821