George Shelton Kemp

George Shelton Kemp, 76, of Metter, Ga, passed away early Tuesday morning, August 29, 2023, at Candler County Hospital.

George was born February 1, 1947, in Swainsboro.  He was a proud Metter Bulldog from the Class of 1965.  George was most proud to be the husband of Dell Collins Kemp, whom he married June 8, 1968.  They built a life together and were devoted to one another until her death December 23, 2007.  George and Dell also built a family of six children they adored.  Together, they served their community selflessly.

George was always known as a family man, but he was truly a servant.  Early in his career, George worked with the Georgia Forestry Commission, ran a local sports store, and later spent time with Seneca Metal Fabrication.  He served his country in the Georgia Army National Guard in several capacities and was highly decorated.  During his time as a recruiter, he spoke to many youth groups across the state regarding the dangers of drugs and alcohol.  After he retired from the National Guard, he served the children of Candler County through his many years at the Metter Candler Recreation Department as a coach, manager, and director.  He went above and beyond to help boys and girls realize their potential while making them feel loved and appreciated at the same time.  For years, he lived to pull chains for his beloved Metter football team.  You’d find him holding the down marker and would fight anyone who thought they would take it from him!  He called it his front row seat for the game.  George also served the football team and his community each week during football season by making and displaying a huge sign at his home on Lewis Street warning visiting opponents of their impending doom.

George served everyone who knew him with his ever-present smile, his warm personality, and his infectious humor.  But make no mistake, George loved serving his family most of all.  He worshipped his children and grandchildren.  He raised them, provided for them, kissed away the hurts he could, and cried with them over hurts he couldn’t erase.  He watched countless games, recitals, plays and parades with his chest poked out and a grin on his face.  He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family.  We know he is happy now, surrounded by those who awaited him in heaven.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Eula Dell Kemp, his wife, Dell Collins Kemp, as well as a brother, James Fields.

His memory is kept alive by his sons, George Anthony “Tony” Kemp (Kandy), James Trevor Kemp (Dennis) and Kory Patrick Kemp (Kat); daughters, Candice Deadra Kemp Salter (Donnie), Mitzi Elaine Kemp and Brandi Renee Kemp; grandchildren, Skyler Smith, Sydnie Kemp, Railyn Porter, Sutton Kemp, Kyzer Anthony, Darcie Salter, Ransley Cannon, Zacher Kemp, and Shelton Salter; sister, Patsy Kemp; and several nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Metter High Chain Gang members, Metter High Class of 1965, and Metter Candler Recreation Department employees.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Marsh, Booker T. Hobbs, Kenny Davis, Tommy Kingery, Jason Brannen and Brett Calloway.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 1, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel in Metter, GA. Interment will follow at Lake Cemetery.

The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service from 9-10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 1, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, in Metter.

Flowers are welcome, and contributions can be make to Cedar Street Baptist Church or Metter Athletics Boosters.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of the arrangements.