Robert Kempson

Robert Bailey Kempson, a man of God, went to Heaven early Friday, March 29, 2013.He was a Christian who believed that Jesus Christ, the son of God, was his Lord and Savior and he tried to live all aspects of his life that way. He was truly a devoted husband and father.Born Jan. 14, 1934 to Annie Cooper and James Kempson in Clarksville, Ga., graduating from Clarksville High School, Young Harris College and North Georgia Military College Dalonega majoring in chemistry.After graduation, he worked for Kaiser Aluminum, New Orleans Off Shore Riggs with Schlumberger, and US Army in chemical warfare. His longtime career was with Chicago Vitreous Company as Regional Sales Manager opening the South with his product porcelain enamel to manufacturers such as Magic Chef, Roper, Athens Stove and Jackson Water Heaters. He retired after 33 years as Vice President of the company.Post retirement, he enjoyed selling real estate, particularly land with Realty Center Better Homes and Gardens.Known to friends as Bob, he was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church for Fifty plus years serving on the Board of Elders and in many capacities through the years.He was a longtime member of The Gideons International, Central, Tri-State Rose Society and he enjoyed socializing with his special friends at the Memorial Heart Rehab group. Bob loved to garden and travel; known to be a kind and fair landlord, he was a respected business man and a friend to many.Preceded in death by his parents, James and Annie Kempson; brother, James Kempson; and stepson, Paul Stagner.He is survived by his wife of 34 years, June S. Kempson; children, Steve L. (Melanie) Kempson, Michael J. (Karen) Kempson and Carolyn Kempson; grandchildren, Levi Austin Kempson; stepgrandchildren, Andrea S. (Nathan) Phelps and Ryan Simas; great-grandchildren, Hana and Graysen Phelps.Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, April 1, at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Moore Road.Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at First Lutheran Church, 2800 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 with the Rev. Mark McCrory officiating.Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Hixson, TN.The family wants to thank Hospice of Chattanooga for their precious care in recent days.Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, First Lutheran Church, Hospice of Chattanooga or American Alzheimers Association.Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist. 404 South Moore Road. Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.