Henry "Hank" James Kemp

Henry James Kemp also known as "Hank" or "Head" - was born in Tampa in the fall of 1956. He was one of three children to Henry Lee Kemp and Helen Kemp. He grew up in Ybor City with his parents, older sister Yvonne and brother, Frank. 

He met his future wife, Christine Annette Watts in high school and made it official after surviving several threats from her father Mack Watts and her older brothers. After graduating from Brandon High School in 1975, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1976, then married the love of his life, Christine in 1978. 

The Marine Corps changed his life. He traveled the world, then Christine and Henry had their first daughter, Contina Denise in 1980, and their second daughter, Crystal Angelica in 1989.

Henry had many hobbies and interests. Hank was passionate about martial arts. He received a brown belt in Taekwondo and a black belt in Okinawa Kenpo, competing in many tournaments during his years in Hawai’i. He loved watching football, his two favorite teams were the Minnesota Vikings and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He took great pride in being a Bucs fan, win or lose. He loved watching cowboy pictures and enjoyed Black History about the American cowboy, referencing trailblazers like Nat Love. Hank also grew up reading Marvel comic books with Spider-Man being his favorite superhero. He loved cars, his favorite was his 1976 Chevy Impala aka The Grey Ghost.

Henry's MOS in the Marine Corps was Supply and Logistics. Henry was very proud of being in the Marine Corps and proud of those he served with. He was stationed in SC, NC, Cuba, FL, GA, Hawaii, Okinawa Japan, after his final duty station in Jacksonville, FL, he retired in Tampa Bay after 30 years of service. Hank achieved a lot in his role as a Marine, and reached the highest enlisted rank possible as an E-9 MGySgt (also called by his peers "Master Guns"). 

After retirement, he continued his work at MacDill Air Force Base as a contractor at MARCENT, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command for over a decade. Later in life, he welcomed three grandchildren into the world, two named after him. 

Throughout all of his achievements, he was most proud of his family. We will miss him everyday.