William "Bill" Charles Kemp, 92, of Whitehall, peacefully passed away July 16, 2023. He was born the son of Percy and Elsie (Young) Kemp.

Bill had a passion for knowledge, almost to a fault. He achieved his Masters of Divinity and continued educating himself for years to come in multiple states. Bill graduated from the former NYACK College now known as Alliance University in New York. He then moved on to attend the Grace Theological Seminary of Indiana. After receiving his degree from Grace Theological Seminary, Bill returned to NYACK as a professor, and also served as an interim pastor for many churches during his time in New York. When reflecting on these times, his children believe them to be his happiest and most fulfilling years and roles of his life, as both pastor and professor. Shortly after, Bill and his family packed up and headed to Michigan, where he continued his education in order to meet qualifications to teach public school. Bill taught Junior High Science and English classes at Montague Public Schools.

After Bill left the careers of pastoral care and education he ventured into the world of aerospace engineering. Bill retired from Howmet Aerospace as a supervisor at the age of 60. Being the ambitious man that he was, he decided to seek out a job as a bus driver for the Muskegon Area Transit Systems.

In his free time, Bill found no better way to spend his time than learning and discovering. He studied the Great Lakes Shipwrecks and could tell you about each and every one of them. He also enjoyed fishing, he was never a very successful fisherman, but he enjoyed casting and spending time on the water.

Bill is survived by: his children, Debbie (Dale) Uithoven, Dan (Deanna) Kemp, and Kathy Kemp; brother-in-law, Mark Carson; grandkids, DJ (Julie) Uithoven, Michael (Agi) Uithoven, Cheryl (Rick) Paniagua, Lauren (Mike) Kemp-Gorey, Akeia Kemp, and Olivia Kemp; and great-grandchildren, Grace and Garrett Uithoven.

Bill was preceded in death by: his parents, Percy and Elsie (Young) Kemp; his wife, Eileen Kemp; and sister, Margie Layzell.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 28, 2023, at Shelby Road Baptist Church, 4066 W Shelby Rd, Shelby, MI 49455, with a luncheon to follow. The family will receive friends Friday, from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church.

In accordance with Bill's wishes, his body has been donated to Michigan State University's medical science program. Interment will take place at a later date in the East Lawn Memory Gardens in Okemos, Michigan.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com